[120]
But since the most powerful influence in the
choice of a career is exerted by Nature, and the next
most powerful by Fortune, we must, of course, take
account of them both in deciding upon our calling
in life; but, of the two, Nature claims the more
attention. For Nature is so much more stable and
steadfast, that for Fortune to come into conflict with
Nature seems like a combat between a mortal and a
goddess. If, therefore, anyone has conformed his
whole plan of life to the kind of nature that is his
(that is, his better nature), let him go on with it
consistently—for that is the essence of Propriety—
unless, perchance, he should discover that he has
made a mistake in choosing his life work. If this1
should happen (and it can easily happen), he must
change his vocation and mode of life. If circumstances favour such change, it will be effected with
greater ease and convenience. If not, it must be
made gradually, step by step, just as, when friendships become no longer pleasing or desirable, it is
more proper (so wise men think) to undo the bond
little by little than to sever it at a stroke.
1 Change of vocation.
M. Tullius Cicero. De Officiis. With An English Translation. Walter Miller. Cambridge. Harvard University Press; Cambridge, Mass., London, England. 1913.
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