Let this always be plain to thee, that this piece of land is like any other; and that all things here are the same with all things on the top of a mountain, or on the sea-shore, or wherever thou chooses to be. For thou wilt find just what Plato says, Dwelling within the walls of the city as in a shepherd's fold on a mountain.
If the gods care not for me and for my children, There is a reason for it.
One man prays thus: How shall I be able to lie with that woman? Do thou pray thus: How shall I not desire to lie with her? Another prays: How shall I be released from this? Another prays: How shall I not desire to be released? Another thus: How shall I not lose my little son? Thou thus: How shall I not be afraid to lose him? In fine, turn thy prayers this way, and see what comes.
Direct thy attention to what is said. Let thy understanding enter into the things that are doing and the things which do them.
Do not think that what is hard for you to master is humanly impossible; but if a thing is humanly possible, consider it to be within your reach.
It is not right to vex ourselves at things, For they care not about it.
Only to the rational animal is it given to follow voluntarily what happens; but simply to follow is a necessity imposed on all.
How many, once lauded in song, are given over to the forgotten; and how many who sung their praises are clean gone long ago!
Give thyself time to learn something new and good, and cease to be whirled around.
All that is harmony for you, my Universe, is in harmony with me as well. Nothing that comes at the right time for you is too early or too late for me. Everything is fruit to me that your seasons bring, Nature. All things come of you, have their being in you, and return to you.