On the occasion of every accident (event) that befals
you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what
power you have for turning it to use. If you see a fair
man or a fair woman, you will find that the power to
resist is temperance (continence). If labour (pain) be
presented to you, you will find that it is endurance. If
it be abusive words, you will find it to be patience. And
if you have been thus formed to the (proper) habit, the
appearances will not carry you along with them.
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The Discourses of Epictetus, with the Encheridion and Fragments. Epictetus. George Long. translator. London. George Bell and Sons. 1890.
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