Chapter IV Of progress. He who is entering oil a state of progress, having learnt from the philosophers, that good should be sought and evil shunned; and having learnt too, that prosperity and peace are no otherwise attainable by man, than in not missing What he seeks, nor incurring what he shuns; such a one removes totally from himself and

Chapter V Concerning the Academics. It is said that there are those who will oppose very evident truths, and yet it is not easy to find a reason which may persuade such an one to alter his opinion. This may arise neither from his own strength, nor from the weakness of his teacher; but when a man becomes obstinate in

Chapter VI Of Providence. From every event that happens in the world it is easy to celebrate Providence, if a person hath but these two qualities in himself; a faculty of considering what happens to each individual, and a grateful temper. Without the first, he will not perceive the usefulness of things which happen; and without the other, he will

Chapter VII Of the use of the forms of right reasoning. It is not understood by most persons that the proper use of inferences and hypotheses and interrogations, and logical forms generally, has any relation to the duties of life. In every subject of action, the question is, how a wise and good man may come honestly and consistently out

Chapter VIII That logical subtleties are not safe to the uninstructed. In as many ways as equivalent syllogisms may be varied, in so many may the logical forms be varied likewise. As for instance: “If you had borrowed, and not paid, you owe me money. But you have not borrowed, and not paid; therefore you do not owe me money.”

Chapter IX How from the doctrine of our relationship to god, we are to deduce its consequences. IF what philosophers say of the kinship between God and men be true, what has any one to do, but, like Socrates , when he is asked what countryman he is, never to say that he is a citizen of Athens , or

Chapter X Concerning those who seek preferment at Rome. If we all applied ourselves as heartily to our proper business, as the old politicians at Rome to their schemes, perhaps we too might make some proficiency. I know a man older than I am, who is now a commissary at Rome. When he passed through this place, on his return

Chapter XI Of natural affection. When an important personage, once came to visit him, Epictetus , having inquired into the particulars of his affairs, asked him, Whether he had a wife and children? The other replying that he had, Epictetus likewise inquired, In what manner do you live with them? “Very miserably,” says he. —How so? For men do not

Chapter XII Of Contentment. Concerning the Gods , some affirm, that there is no deity; others, that he indeed exists, but is slothful, negligent, and without providential care; a 3 rd class admits both his being and his providence, but only in respect to great and heavenly objects, not earthly; a 4 th recognizes him both in heaven and earth,