a distinction with regard to yourself[1] and say, This bodes something perhaps to this poor body or this little property of mine, or to my reputation, or my wife or children, but to myself, nothing. For to me, if I will to have it so, all omens are fortunate. And whatever of these things may come to pass, it lies with me to reap some benefit from it.
XIX.α.You may be always victorious if you will never enter into any contest where the issue does not wholly depend upon yourself.
β. When you see a man honoured above others, or mighty in power, or otherwise in high repute, look to it that you esteem him not blessed, being rapt-away by the phantasm. For if Good, in its essence, be in those things which depend upon ourselves, then there is no place for jealousy or envy, and you yourself will not wish to be a general, or a prince, or a consul–but to be free. And to this
- ↑ διαέρες παρὰ σεαντῷ–distinguish what concerns your real self from what does not; or perhaps it merely means 'draw a distinction inwardly.'
