Роздуми
Book 4
Doeswhat’shappenedkeepyoufromactingwithjustice,generosity,self-control,sanity,prudence,honesty,humility,straightforwardness,andalltheotherqualitiesthatallowaperson’snaturetofulfillitself?
Sorememberthisprinciplewhensomethingthreatenstocauseyoupain:thethingitselfwasnomisfortuneatall;toendureitandprevailisgreatgoodfortune.
50.Atritebuteffectivetacticagainstthefearofdeath:thinkofthelistofpeoplewhohadtobepriedawayfromlife.Whatdidtheygainbydyingold?Intheend,theyallsleepsixfeetunder—Caedicianus,Fabius,Julian,Lepidus,andalltherest.Theyburiedtheircontemporaries,andwereburiedinturn.
Ourlifetimeissobrief.Andtoliveitoutinthesecircumstances,amongthesepeople,inthisbody?Nothingtogetexcitedabout.Considertheabyssoftimepast,theinfinitefuture.Threedaysoflifeorthreegenerations:what’sthedifference?
51.Taketheshortestroute,theonethatnatureplanned—tospeakandactinthehealthiestway.Dothat,andbefreeofpainandstress,freeofallcalculationandpretension.
