Quote

65 AD·Rome, Italy

It is to this law that our souls must adjust themselves, this they should follow, this they should obey. Whatever happens, assume that it was bound to happen, and do not be willing to rail at Nature. That which you cannot reform, it is best to endure, and to attend uncomplainingly upon the God under whose guidance everything progresses; for it is a bad soldier who grumbles when following his commander.

Read the full letter→Letter XCVII · On the Degeneracy of the Age

Similar Thoughts

Marcus Aurelius·180 AD

Everything that happens is either endurable or not. If it's endurable, then endure it. Stop complaining. If it's unendurable . . . then stop complaining. Your destruction will mean its end as well.

Lao Tzu·500 BC

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow.

Qohelet·-300 AD

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

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It is not the man who has too little who is poor, but the one who hankers after more.

54 AD·Rome

Through hardship to the stars.

65 AD

Men who have made these discoveries before us are not our masters, but our guides.

Locus

Rome, Italy

Tempus