BOOK IV
1. That which holds the mastery[1] within us, when it is in accordance with Nature, is so disposed towards what befalls, that it can always adapt itself with ease to what is possible and granted us. For it is wedded to no definite material, but, though in the pursuit of its high aims it works under reservations,[2] yet it converts into material for itself any obstacle that it meets with, just as fire[3] when it gets the mastery of what is thrown in upon it. A little flame would have been stifled by it, but the blazing fire instantly assimilates what is cast upon it and, consuming it, leaps the higher in consequence.
2. Take no act in hand aimlessly[4] or otherwise than in accordance with the true principles perfective of the art.
3. Men seek out retreats for themselves in the country, by the seaside, on the mountains, and thou too art wont to long intensely for such things.[5] But all this is unphilosophical to the last degree, when thou canst at a moment's notice retire into thyself.[6] For nowhere can a man find a retreat more full of
- ↑ iii. 6, § 2, etc. cp. Lucian, Somn. 10, ἡ ψυχή, όπερ σου κυριώτατόν ἐστιν.
- ↑ i.e. conditionally or as far as circumstances will allow, vi. 50. cp. St. James, Ep. iv. 15.
- ↑ v. 20; vi. 50; Sen. de Prov. 2.
- ↑ ii. 5 etc.
- ↑ e.g. Lorium, Lanuvium, Alsium, Centumcellae, Praeneste, Baiae, Caieta, all holiday resorts of Marcus, see especially Fronto de Fer. Als. Nab. p. 223 ff. cp. x. 15, 23.
- ↑ cp. Arethas on Dio Chrys. xx. 8, μὴ οὖν βελτίστη καὶ λυσιτελεστάτη πασῶν ἡ εἰς αὑτὸν ἀναχώρησις. See below iv. 3, § 4; vii. 28.
