Chapter VI Volume VI
The soul remains in a state of activity and state.
The entities of the universe are faithful and reliable. Since the reason that governs the universe does not possess any malice, therefore, it does not harm anything. No matter what kind of thing it is, it is born according to this reason and tends to be perfected.
If you are doing your duty, don't distinguish between sleepy and energetic, praised or criticized, poor food and clothing or warm and rich, dying or doing something else. On the way to death, we need to go through this activity in our lives. It is enough for us to do what we are doing at the moment in this activity.
Look at yourself again and don't waste any unique properties and values that you have.
It won't be long before everything that exists changes. They may decompose, or they may turn back into gas, if the whole entity is truly one.
The governing rationality is very clear about one's own arrangements, one's behavior, and the materials used in one's work.
The best way to take revenge yourself is not to be like someone who does bad things.
In the process of moving from one social activity to another, peace and joy are found only in the matter of thinking about the gods.
The principle of domination is capable of creating and transforming itself. When it makes itself what it wants to be or what it wants it to be, it makes everything that happens look like it wants it to be.
Nothing is done by virtue of a nature that is understood within one's nature, or one that understands its nature from the outside, or a nature that is external and has nothing to do with it. Therefore, everything is done according to the general nature of the universe.
The universe is not divine will, order, and unity; It is a kind of chaos, a kind of entanglement and separation of many things from each other. If the former is correct, then I will have a respectful and reverent trust in the person in charge; If the latter is correct, then why should I care about anything other than how I end up in dust? Why do I have trouble because no matter what I do, my elements will decompose? Why do I like to be in such a state of disorder, and in a casual union of things?
When you feel irritable to a certain extent because of your circumstances, you immediately turn to yourself. Once you've taken the stress off, don't let yourself continue to feel irritable. You will enter a greater state of harmony by constantly returning to yourself.
If you have a birth mother and an adoptive mother, then you still have to return to your birth mother frequently when you repay your adoptive mother. Immediately use philosophy and the royal palace as a metaphor for your birth mother and adoptive mother. You can find peace in philosophy. Come back to it often. With the help of philosophy, you can see what happened to you at the palace as something you can bear. In this way, you will be able to show patience in the palace.
When we are confronted with the meat food presented to us, we have the impression that it is the dead body of a pig, a bird or a fish. In addition, we have the impression that the purple robe is wool dyed red with the blood of some shellfish, and that the drink is just grape juice. These impressions arrive at the things themselves and clarify their meanings. We see what they are. Whatever we do, we should use this method. We should make the things that seem most worthy of our praise naked. We should discard all the arguments that make them noble and focus on the fact that they are not valuable. Appearances are capable of misinterpreting reason in unique ways. When you believe that you are doing something worthy of your hard work, it is also the time when it deceives you the most. Think a little more about what Clatis said to Xenocratis.
Many of the things that are praised by the people are the most ordinary things, these things are things that form a whole by means of natural organization or cohesion, such as olive trees, fig trees, vines, wood, and stones. Those things that have acquired more rationality and are praised by men can be said to be things that are brought together into a whole by a principle of life, as is the case with both the beasts and the sheep. Those things that have attained higher knowledge and are praised by people can be said to be things that are aggregated into a whole by a rational soul. This is not a universal soul, though. It is rational only in the sense that it owns some slaves, or only to the extent that it has been trained in some way or another. The man who attaches great importance to a rational soul, a soul which is broadly applied to political life, is not concerned with anything else, but only with these things: his soul remains in an activity and state in accordance with social life and reason; To achieve this, he works with others like him; He is above all things.
Some things quickly enter existence, others quickly leave existence. Some parts of what comes into existence have also disappeared. Just as time never stops in an era that is constantly renewed, changes and movements are constantly renewing the world. Is there anything in the things that are speeding through the ever-changing rapids that can be praised enthusiastically? It's like a person who falls in love with a bird that flies by, but can't see it in the blink of an eye. This is true of any person's life. For example, breathing air and vaporizing blood. That's exactly what it is, like we're doing every single moment. As soon as we inhale air, our ability to breathe out of it. Everything you acquire at birth becomes the original element again.
The breathing of wild animals and livestock, the evaporation of the leaves of plants, the acquisition of impressions by the phenomena of things, the act of being driven by desire like a puppet, the act of gathering herds, and obtaining nourishment from food are not a respectable thing. This is similar to when we cut open and separate out the useless parts of food. What is something to be respected? Are they the things that get unanimous praise? No, we can't give respect to that kind of verbal praise. This kind of praise from most people is a kind of verbal praise. Do you have anything to respect after giving up something worthless like reputation? I think you should push yourself according to your proper structure and limit yourself to the goals of all technologies and professions. Whatever the technology, aim for it. The thing that is created should adapt itself to the work created for it. Whether it's a dog trainer, a horse trainer, or a grape grower, they all chase this goal. The training and education of young people also have this goal. This is where the value of training and education is revealed. If that's a good goal, then you won't be pursuing anything else. Do you have a lot of other things to look at? If you are, then you will definitely become petty and jealous. You plot against those who occupy what you value. You'll be suspicious of those who can take it away. In this way, you will not be able to escape your passions, you will not be free, and you will not be satisfied with your own happiness. Those who crave these things are bound to be in a state of complete restlessness. He also whined frequently about the gods. If you can praise and respect your heart, then you will be content with your condition. You will be in tune with the gods, and you will be in harmony with society. You will praise them for all that they give or instruct.
The movement of the elements spreads all over the up, down, front, back, left and right. This is not the case with the movement of morality. Driven by something almost invisible, it happily walked on its own path. It is a more sacred thing.
People are doing it so weirdly. They value posterity very much, and they will praise those they have never met, or will never meet, but they will not praise those of the same era with whom they lived. It's as ridiculous as feeling sad that someone who lived before you didn't praise you.
If it's hard for you to do something, don't think it's impossible for people to do it. If one might be able to do something, and it fits into human nature, then you should be able to do it too.
If a person touches your head in a sports match and injures you, or if his nails hurt your **, you don't go crazy thinking that he's going to kill you, and you don't think you're an unreliable companion for the rest of your time. Either way, you don't see him as an enemy, even though you're still on your guard. You will calmly and unscrupulously choose to avoid it. Apply this to all areas of your life. We shouldn't be as suspicious as our opponents on the pitch. As I said, we can choose to avoid without the slightest hostility or suspicion.
If someone can show me that I am not thinking and acting correctly and convince me, then I will gladly change myself. What I seek is the truth. The truth does not hurt anyone. Those who insist on stupidity and error will suffer as a result.
I have my obligations. Anything else doesn't bother me. The reason is that they are either not rational or life-like, or they are unfamiliar with the path or have embarked on the wrong path.
You should treat irrational animals and ordinary things with a down-to-earth attitude. The reason is that they don't have the rationality that you have. You should treat people with kindness because they are rational. No matter what the occasion, you should pray to the gods. Even three hours isn't a big deal, so don't worry about how much time you're going to spend on it.
Death took Alexander of Macedonia and his groom to the same place. Either they all became atoms, or they were all introduced into the same breeding place in the universe.
How many things related to the body and soul have happened to each of us in an individed period of time. Think about it. In this way, you will not be amazed at the phenomenon that more, if not all, of things, in the same time, are born and exist in the so-called universe that is both one and all.
If someone asked you how to write the name "Anthony", would you be patient with each letter? If they lose their temper, will you lose your temper with them too? Do you get irritated and keep saying every letter? The same is true in life. It should be borne in mind that obligations, whatever they may be, are made up of certain parts. It is your duty to obey them. Don't get angry or get irritated when confronted by those who annoy you. Go ahead and go your way and do what you have at hand.
It is cruel not to let people go to great lengths to pursue what they think is in line with their nature and that will bring benefits. When you are bothered by the bad things they do to you, you should still have some measure to prevent them from doing them. They do these things because they think they are in line with their nature and will bring benefits. However, this is not the case. Then educate them and calmly show their mistakes to them.
Death is the service provided to the body, the unrestrained movement of ideas, a series of desires, and the end of sensual impressions.
It is a shameful thing for the soul to age before the body.
It is a shameful thing for your soul to age before your body.
(Tips: The full text ** can be read by clicking on the card at the end of the article).
You will not be created to be a Caesar. You should value that. You weren't dyed by this dye for this to happen. Then you go and worship the gods, do everything that is right, and maintain the virtues of seriousness, simplicity, innocence, kindness, sincerity, integrity, gentleness, and friendliness. Philosophy wants you to be the kind of person you want to become, and you do your best to be that kind of person. Helping others and showing respect to the gods. Life is only a moment. Gentle manners and a sincere spirit are the only fruits of earthly life. Do everything as Anthony did. No matter what he does, he behaves above board. He was not only sincere, but also humble, and had a calm countenance. He is consistent in all rational behaviors. He was very contemptuous of vanity. He will try to figure things out with his heart. He is patient with those who criticize him unjustly, and does not criticize them. When he starts doing anything, he thinks about it so that he can figure it out. He doesn't believe gossip and never acts recklessly. He will carefully observe the behavior and measures. He doesn't make sense or be suspicious. He's not a timid person. He will not make concessions to the angry populace. He was easily satisfied with food, clothing, shelter, couches, and servants. With a simple meal, he was able to survive until the evening. He hardly needs a break to be able to relax himself, other than his usual time. When it comes to friendship, he is firm and consistent. He was able to tolerate any views made by those who disagreed with him. He did not possess any superstitious religious temperament. He would be very happy if someone could show something good in front of him. Keep these qualities in mind. You should learn these qualities so that you can have a heart as good as He when you die.
Return to your conscious state and call yourself back. When you wake up from your sleep, you will find that all the things that are bothering you are just illusions. Just as you looked at those illusions in the past, look at them in the present moment.
What makes me up is a soul and an insignificant body. Since this insignificant body cannot perceive the difference, nothing seems to it to be worthy of attention. The things that do not deserve attention in the eyes of reason are only those that are not caused by their own activity. It is capable of driving anything that is triggered by its own activity. However, all that can be done in these things is what is being done at the moment. Even these things in the present are not worth paying attention to in the past and future activities in the heart.
As long as the hands do the work of the hands and the feet do the work of the feet, then the actions of the hands and feet do not deviate from their nature. In the same way, as long as a person is doing the work of one person, his work will not deviate from his nature. If this work does not deviate from his nature, then it must not be a bad thing for the person.
What joy the tyrannical rulers, the robbers, and the murderers of their fathers enjoyed!
Isn't it surprising that craftsmen cling to the rationality of their technology while adapting themselves to some degree to those who are not familiar with their technology?
Mount Athos is a small part of the universe. Asia Minor and Europa are both corners of the universe. All the oceans are a drop of the universe. The whole time of the present moment is a point in eternity. Whatever it is, it is changing, small, and perishable. Everything comes directly from the ruling forces of the universe, and they may also appear as successors. In this way, everything that is harmful, such as poison, sludge, thorns, the open jaws of a lion, is a by-product of something beautiful and eye-catching. You should look at everything in a correct way, and don't think that the above things are of a different nature from the things you admire.
Since all things have the same form and belong to the same system, those who have seen the present have seen everything, including everything that has happened before and everything that will continue to happen in the future.
Always think about how everything in the universe is connected and how they relate to each other. Everything is disturbing each other in some way. So, whatever it is, it's all intimately connected in this situation. Active movements, collaborations, and the unity of entities give rise to a situation in which things appear in order.
You should be made to adapt to those who fate is destined to let you live with them, and with them. Love them with practical actions.
No one can stop you from living according to your nature.
As long as the goal of being produced is achieved, then any tool, utensil or container is good. However, the producer does not exist in the product. The forces of production exist and remain in those things that are made of nature. This power should therefore be all the more respected. If you do what it does or what it means to live, then everything in your heart is in accordance with reason. The things that exist in the universe and belong to it are so rational.
If you think that something you are powerless to interfere with is good and bad for you, then it must be something like this: if you lose a good thing, or if something bad happens, you will hate those who cause that loss or misfortune, or those whom you suspect cause that loss or misfortune, or criticize the gods. Since we make a distinction between good and bad for these things, we do do a lot of unethical things. If we only distinguish between good and bad things that are within our reach, then there is no reason for us to treat others with hatred or to be critical of gods.
We're all working towards a goal. Some people are resourceful and knowledgeable, while others are like people asleep who don't know what they're doing. Heraclitus said that they were collaborators and laborers in the things that took place in the universe. I guess that's the case. However, there is a bit of reluctance when it comes to cooperating. Even those who fully cooperate will be dissatisfied with those who refuse and prevent cooperation, and what happens. The reason is that the universe also needs such people. In this way, you will still encounter this situation, which means that you understand what kind of work you should give yourself to do. The reason is that what governs everything, will surely make reasonable use of you. It will make you a collaborator, a person who works for a certain goal. However, you should not allow yourself to play the role of a harlequin, as Crocipas said, which is very rare in drama.
Did Escurep replace the job of fruit trees? Did the sun replace the work of rain? What about each star? Aren't they still working towards the same goal?
It is difficult for one to even come up with an ordinary deity. Therefore, if the gods have made decisions about me and about what will happen to me, then those decisions are all right. Is it necessary for them to try to cause harm to me? Does this do any benefit to them, or to the whole of the people they particularly like? Even if they didn't make a decision about me, they at least made a decision about the whole. I should accept with pleasure what is happening in this general arrangement in order, and be content with it. If they have not made a decision at all, and we have fully believed in this idea, then we should stop praying, no more sacrifices, no more vows to them, and no more doing anything that we did when it seemed that the gods were right in front of us and living with us. But if the gods don't make a decision about anything that concerns us, then I can make a decision about myself, and I can seriously ponder what is useful. Something that is consistent with one's nature and temperament can be useful to anyone. However, my nature is both social and rational. As a human being, my country is this world. As Antony, my country and city is Rome. So what works for me, is what works for the city.
Anything that happens to any one person is for the good of the universe. That might be enough. However, you should look at this more deeply as a broad truth. If you do that, then whatever it is, whatever works for one person, it will work for you. However, let the word "useful" mean here that something that is so-called neutral, that is, it is neither good nor bad.
Staring at something all the time, or being on the same show all the time, can be disgusting. It's the same as happening in the amphitheater and places like this. The same is true of life as a whole. Everything above and below is the same and in the same place. So, how long will it take?
Don't stop thinking. Your mind can even return to Fiebers, Aurigenian, and Felithson after all kinds of people and targets, and all nations. You turn your mind to other kinds of people at this moment, to where you have to return. There are a large number of tyrannical rulers, eloquent men, heroes and generals who lived in the past, and distinguished philosophers. There were people like Hippalx, Archimedes, and Eudocuus, who loved to work, and who possessed great learning, a broad mind, great talent, and confidence. There are even people like Nipas who make a mockery of a short and perishable life. As you ponder all this, think that they had turned to dust a long time ago. How can this hurt them? What harm can be done to those whose names have been completely forgotten? There is only one thing that is extremely valuable here: live your life with integrity and sincerity, and treat those with kindness, including those who are not upright and those who lie.
As you try to have fun, think about the qualities of those you live with. For example, the humility of this person, the initiative of that person, the generosity of the third person, and other good qualities that the fourth person has. The most joyful thing is that the role model of virtue can show itself to the fullest in a person who lives with us. We must therefore set these examples before ourselves.
I don't think you get mad at the fact that your weight is not three hundred litnes, but just these litnes. Just as you should be content with the weight you allocate, so you should be content with the length of time you allocate. Therefore, don't feel dissatisfied that you can only live so long, not longer.
Let's do everything we can to convince them. When the principles of justice point to this path, even if it is contrary to their will, they must move forward along this path. If someone stops you from moving forward through coercive measures, you should bring yourself into a state of calm and contentment. In addition, you need to use these obstacles to temper other qualities. Your ideas are not endless, and you don't want to do things that are unattainable. You should keep this in mind. So what do you crave? It's some kind of effort similar to this. If you do what you are led to, you have achieved your goal.
A person who likes to be happy will perceive the actions of others as actions that benefit their own senses. A person who likes reputation will perceive the actions of others as beneficial to themselves. A rational person sees his actions as beneficial to himself.
Since things themselves do not possess the power to cause us to judge, we are able not to express any opinion about something so that our soul does not suffer.
Make yourself a good listener to what others are saying and do your best to get into the heart of the person who speaks.
What is bad for a bee colony is also bad for bees.
If a doctor is abused by a patient, or a man at the helm is abused by a sailor, can a doctor ensure the health of those he treats? Will the person at the helm also ensure the safety of those on board? Or do patients and sailors listen to others?
How many of those who entered this world with me have passed away.
Balls are a good thing for kids. Water is a terrible thing for rabies. Honey is a bitter thing for jaundice patients. So why should we be angry? Don't you think that a misconception has the same power as the toxins in the body of a rabies patient and the bile in the body of a jaundice patient?
Whatever is contrary to the rational nature of the universe will not happen to you. No one can stop you from living according to your own rational nature.
What kind of people are those who people desire to please? In what ways do people please such people? What are people doing this for? Time drowned everything in a flash. How much has it been submerged!
(Click on the card above to read the full article.)
Thank you for reading, and if you feel that the recommended book meets your taste, please leave us a comment!
If you want to know more exciting content, pay attention to your continuous recommendation!