9. It might almost be said that there happens to men only that they
desire. It is true that on certain external events our influence is
of the feeblest, but we have all-powerful action on that which these
events shall become in ourselves--in other words, on their spiritual
part, on what is radiant, undying within them. There are thousands
of men within whom this spiritual part, that is craving for birth in
every misfortune, or love, or chance meeting, has known not one
moment of life--these men pass away like a straw on the stream. And
others there are within whom this immortal part absorbs all; these
are like islands that have sprung up in the ocean; for they have
found immovable anchorage, whence they issue commands that their
destiny needs must obey. The life of most men will be saddened or
lightened by the thing that may chance to befall them--in the men
whom I speak of, whatever may happen is lit up by their inward life.
When you love, it is not your love that forms part of your destiny;
but the knowledge of self that you will have found, deep down in
your love--this it is that will help to fashion your life. If you
have been deceived, it is not the deception that matters, but the
forgiveness whereto it gave birth in your soul, and the loftiness,
wisdom, completeness of this forgiveness--by these shall your life
be steered to destiny's haven of brightness and peace; by these
shall your eyes see more clearly than if all men had ever been
faithful. But if, by this act of deceit, there have come not more
simpleness, loftier faith, wider range to your love, then have you
been deceived in vain, and may truly say nothing has happened.

10. Let us always remember that nothing befalls us that is not of
the nature of ourselves. There comes no adventure but wears to our
soul the shape of our everyday thoughts; and deeds of heroism are