of things some are in our power and others are not. In our power are opinion movement toward a thing desire aversion (turning from a thing) and in a word whatever are our own acts not in our power are the body, property reputaion, offiecs (magislerial power), and a word whatever are not our own acts and the things in our power are by nature free, not subject to restraint in the control of others not in our power weak slavish subject to restraint in the control of others. Remember then that if you think the things which are by nature slavish to be free and the things which are in the power of others to be your own you will be hindered you will lament you will be disturbed you own to be your own and if you think that what is another’s as it really is belong to another no man will ever compel you no man will ninder you you will never blame any man you will accuse no man you will do noting involuntarily (against your will) no man will harm you you will have no enemy for you will not suffer any harm
If then you desire (aim at) such great things remember that you must not ( attempt to) lay hold of them with a small effort but you must leave alone some things entirely and postpone others for the persent but if you wish these things also (such great things) and power (office) and wealth perhaps you will not gain even these very things (power and wealth) because you aim also at those former things (such great things) certainly you will fail in those things through which alone happiness and freedom are secured Straightway then practice saying to every harsh appearance You are an appearance and in no manner what you appear to be Then examine it by the rules which you possess and by this first and chiefly whether it relates to the things which are in our power or to the things which are not in our power and if it relates to anything which is not in our power be ready to say that it does not concern you.