The Golden Sayings of Epictetus by Epictetus
page 104 of 116 (89%)
page 104 of 116 (89%)
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Once more:--
Crito, if this be God's will, so let it be. As for me, Anytus and Meletus can indeed put me to death, but injure me, never! CLXXXV We shall then be like Socrates, when we can indite hymns of praise to the Gods in prison. CLXXXVI It is hard to combine and unite these two qualities, the carefulness of one who is affected by circumstances, and the intrepidity of one who heeds them not. But it is not impossible: else were happiness also impossible. We should act as we do in seafaring. "What can I do?"--Choose the master, the crew, the day, the opportunity. Then comes a sudden storm. What matters it to me? my part has been fully done. The matter is in the hands of another--the Master of the ship. The ship is foundering. What then have I to do? I do the only thing that remains to me--to be drowned without fear, without a cry, without upbraiding God, but knowing that what has been born must likewise |
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