To
the aids which have been mentioned let this one still be added:- Make
for thyself a definition or description of the thing which is
presented to thee, so as to see distinctly what kind of a thing it is
in its substance, in its nudity, in its complete entirety, and tell
thyself its proper name, and the names of the things of which it has
been compounded, and into which it will be resolved. For nothing is
so productive of elevation of mind as to be able to examine
methodically and truly every object which is presented to thee in
life, and always to look at things so as to see at the same time what
kind of universe this is, and what kind of use everything performs in
it, and what value everything has with reference to the whole, and
what with reference to man, who is a citizen of the highest city, of
which all other cities are like families; what each thing is, and of
what it is composed, and how long it is the nature of this thing to
endure which now makes an impression on me, and what virtue I have
need of with respect to it, such as gentleness, manliness, truth,
fidelity, simplicity, contentment, and the rest. Wherefore, on every
occasion a man should say: this comes from God; and this is according
to the apportionment and spinning of the thread of destiny, and
such-like coincidence and chance; and this is from one of the same
stock, and a kinsman and partner, one who knows not however what is
according to his nature. But I know; for this reason I behave towards
him according to the natural law of fellowship with benevolence and
justice. At the same time however in things indifferent I attempt to
ascertain the value of each.
(podcast episode) (original Greek part 1, part 2, part 3)
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