BOOK V
and moves herself,[1] and whatever judgments she deems it right to form, in conformity with them she fashions for herself the things that submit themselves to her from without.[2]
20. In one respect a man is of very close concern to us, in so far as we must do him good and forbear; but in so far as any stand in the way of those acts which concern us closely, then man becomes for me as much one of things indifferent as the sun, as the wind, as a wild-beast. Though a man may in some sort fetter my activity, yet on my own initiative and mental attitude no fetters can be put because of the power they possess of conditional action[3] and of adaptation to circumstances. For everything that stands in the way of its activity is adapted and transmuted by the mind into a furtherance of it,[4] and that which is a check on this action is converted into a help to it, and that which is a hindrance in our path goes but to make it easier.
21. Prize the most excellent thing in the Universe; and this is that which utilizes all things and controls all things. Prize in like manner the most excellent thing in thyself;[5] and this is that which is akin to the other. For this, which utilizes all else is in thee too, and by it thy life is governed.
22. That which is not hurtful to the community cannot hurt the individual.[6] Test every case of apparent hurt by this rule: if the community be not hurt by this, neither am I hurt; but if the community be hurt, there is no need to be angry with him that hath done the hurt,[7] but to enquire, What hath he seen amiss?[8]
