Page:The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.pdf/101

Some things, as opinion, appetite, desire, aversion, conduct, depend upon us; but others, as the body, fame, riches, power, do not. The former by their nature are free and unconstrained, whereas, the latter are weak, servile, subject to hindrance and opposition. Remember, then, if thou dost suppose things to be free which are really otherwise, and things thy own which are not thine own, thou shalt meet with trouble, grief, care, and blame both God and man. Avoid this error and no one shall constrain, no one oppose thee; thou shalt neither accuse nor blame any one; shalt do nothing against thy will; shalt experience neither hurt nor injury, for thou wilt have no enemy. Such being the objects of pursuit, it is to be remembered that moderate efforts will not obtain them some things must be given up, and others laid aside for the time. If, however, thou wouldst possess not only these, but riches and station also, perchance thou mayest fail in the latter by reason of aiming at the former; whilst, assuredly, thoult fail in securing liberty and happiness.

When something harsh assails thee, recollect that it is but a phantom, and not what it seems; put it to the test, then, and see if it be among the things which depend on thyself, or those which do not. If it be the latter, it is nothing to thee.