Chapter XII Of Training. We are not to carry our training beyond Nature and Reason; for thus we, who call ourselves philosophers, shall not differ from jugglers. For it is no doubt difficult to walk upon a rope; and not only difficult, but dangerous. Ought we too, for that reason, to make it our study to walk upon a rope,

Chapter XIII What solitude is; and what a solitary person. It is solitude to be in the condition of a helpless person. For he who is alone is not therefore solitary, any more than one in a crowd is the contrary. When, therefore, we lose a son, or a brother, or a friend, on whom we have been used to

Chapter XIV Miscellaneous. As bad performers cannot sing alone, but in a chorus; so some persons cannot walk alone. If you are anything, walk alone; talk by yourself; and do not skulk in the chorus. Think a little at last; look about you; sift yourself that you may know what you are. If a person drinks water, or does anything

Chapter XV That everything is to be undertaken with circumspection. In every affair consider what precedes and follows, and then undertake it. Otherwise you will begin with spirit indeed, careless of the consequences, and when these are developed, you will shamefully desist. “I would conquer at the Olympic Games.” But consider what precedes and follows, and, then, if it be

Chapter XVI That caution should be used, as to personal familiarity. He who frequently mingles with others, either in conversation or at entertainments, or in any familiar way of living, must necessarily either become like his companions, or bring them over to his own way. For, if a dead coal be applied to a live one, either the first will

Chapter XVII Of Providence. Whenever you lay anything to the charge of Providence, do but reflect, and you will find that it has happened agreeably to Reason. “Well; but a dishonest man has the advantage.” In what? “In money.” Here he ought to surpass you; because he flatters, he is shameless, he keeps awake. Where is the wonder? But look

Chapter XVIII That we ought not to be alarmed, by any news that is brought us. When any alarming news is brought you, always have it ready in mind that no news can be brought you concerning what is within the power of your own Will. Can anyone bring you news that your opinions or desires are ill conducted? By

Chapter XIX What is the comparative condition of the philosopher, and of the crowd. The first difference between one of the crowd and a philosopher is this; the one says, “I am undone on the account of my child, my brother, my father”; but the other, if ever he be obliged to say, “I am undone!” reflects, and adds, “on

Chapter XX That some advantage mat be gained from every outward circumstance. In considering sensible phenomena, almost all persons admit good and evil to lie in ourselves and not in externals. No one says it is good to be day; evil to be night; and the greatest evil that 3 should be 4; but what? That knowledge is good and