Роздуми

           Thatthepresentisallwehavetolivein.Ortolose.

           27.Constantlyrundownthelistofthosewhofeltintenseangeratsomething:themostfamous,themostunfortunate,themosthated,themostwhatever.Andask:Whereisallthatnow?Smoke,dust,legend...ornotevenalegend.Thinkofalltheexamples:FabiusCatullinusinthecountry,LusiusLupusintheorchard,StertiniusatBaiae,TiberiusonCapri,VeliusRufus...obsessionandarrogance.

           Andhowtrivialthethingswewantsopassionatelyare.Andhowmuchmorephilosophicalitwouldbetotakewhatwe’regivenandshowuprightness,self-control,obediencetoGod,withoutmakingaproductionofit.There’snothingmoreinsufferablethanpeoplewhoboastabouttheirownhumility.

           28.Peopleask,"Haveyoueverseenthegodsyouworship?Howcanyoubesuretheyexist?"

           Answers:

           I.Justlookaroundyou.

           II.I’veneverseenmysouleither.AndyetIrevereit.

           That’showIknowthegodsexistandwhyIreverethem—fromhavingfelttheirpower,overandover.

           29.Salvation:toseeeachthingforwhatitis—itsnatureanditspurpose.

           Todoonlywhatisright,sayonlywhatistrue,withoutholdingback.

           Whatelsecoulditbebuttolivelifefully—topayoutgoodnessliketheringsofachain,withouttheslightestgap.

           30.