"Does anyone bathe in a mighty little time? Don't say that he does it ill, but in a mighty little time. Does anyone drink a great quantity of wine? Don't say that he does ill, but that he drinks a great quantity. For, unless you perfectly understand the principle from which anyone acts, how should you know if he acts ill? Thus you will not run the hazard of assenting to any appearances but such as you fully comprehend."
This tasty little treat of philosophy written in 135 A.C.E. provides a quick commentary on Roman Stoicism and yet many of its tenets make for helpful mantras today. In essence many of his instructions translate to 'don't sweat the stuff you can't change', which is an often reassuring thought.
You've only got control of yourself so act in a way that is true to yourself and don't pay any attention to the boasts of others. Don't be swayed by appearances and basically, just stay chill and don't believe the hype. All in all some effective takeaways.
“These reasonings are unconnected: “I am richer than you, therefore I am better”; “I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am better.” The connection is rather this: “I am richer than you, therefore my property is greater than yours;” “I am more eloquent than you, therefore my style is better than yours.” But you, after all, are neither property nor style.”
“If you ever happen to turn your attention to externals, so as to wish to please anyone, be assured that you have ruined your scheme of life.”
5 out of 5 and a super quick read.
You've only got control of yourself so act in a way that is true to yourself and don't pay any attention to the boasts of others. Don't be swayed by appearances and basically, just stay chill and don't believe the hype. All in all some effective takeaways.
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