BOOK XII
Therefore from its not being so, if indeed it is not so, be assured that it ought not to have been so. For even thyself canst see that in this presumptuous enquiry of thine thou art reasoning with God.[1] But we should not thus be arguing with the Gods were they not infinitely good and just. But in that case they could not have overlooked anything being wrongly and irrationally neglected in their thorough Ordering of the Universe.
6. Practise that also wherein thou hast no expectation of success. For even the left hand, which for every other function is inefficient by reason of a want of practice, has yet a firmer grip of the bridle than the right. For it has had practice in this.
7. Reflect on the condition of body and soul befitting a man when overtaken by death, on the shortness of life,[2] on the yawning gulf[3] of the past and of the time to come, on the impotence of all matter.
8. Look at the principles of causation stripped of their husks; at the objective of actions; at what pain is, what pleasure, what death, what fame. See who is to blame for a man's inner unrest; how no one can be thwarted by another[4]; that nothing is but what thinking makes it.[5]
9. In our use of principles of conduct we should imitate the pancratiast not the gladiator.[6] For the latter lays aside the blade which he uses, and takes it up again, but the other always has his hand and needs only to clench it.
