to such and so many only, as reason in a creature that knows itself
born for society, will command and enjoin. This will not only
procure that cheerfulness, which from the goodness, but that also,
which from the paucity of actions doth usually proceed.
For since it is so, that most of those things, which we either
speak or do, are unnecessary; if a man shall cut them off,
it must needs follow that he shall thereby gain much leisure,
and save much trouble, and therefore at every action a man must
privately by way of admonition suggest unto himself, What? may not
this that now I go about, be of the number of unnecessary actions?
Neither must he use himself to cut off actions only, but thoughts
and imaginations also, that are unnecessary for so will unnecessary
consequent actions the better be prevented and cut off.

XXI. Try also how a good man's life; (of one, who is well pleased
with those things whatsoever, which among the common changes and
chances of this world fall to his own lot and share; and can live
well contented and fully satisfied in the justice of his own proper
present action, and in the goodness of his disposition for the future:)
will agree with thee. Thou hast had experience of that other
kind of life : make now trial of this also. Trouble not thyself
any more henceforth, reduce thyself unto perfect simplicity.
Doth any man offend? It is against himself that he doth offend:
why should it trouble thee? Hath anything happened unto thee ?
It is well, whatsoever it be, it is that which of all the common chances
of the world from the very beginning in the series of all other things
that have, or shall happen, was destinated and appointed unto thee.
To comprehend all in a few words, our life is short; we must
endeavour to gain the present time with best discretion and justice.
Use recreation with sobriety. XXII. Either this world is a kosmoz