*Meditations* 2
- Nothing in the world can affect our souls; it is the soul's judgement of things that is the cause of its change.
5-19 Things themselves do not touch the soul, not even in the least degree; nor do they have any way into the soul, nor can they turn or move it. The soul alone turns and moves itself, and makes whatever judgements it thinks fit — judgements it makes for itself about the things that present themselves to it.
5-21 Revere what is best in the universe: that which makes use of and directs all things. Likewise, revere what is best in yourself, which is of the same nature as what was just described. For that which makes use of everything else is in you too, and your life is directed by it.
5-25 Has someone done you wrong? Let him see to it. He has his own disposition, his own activity. I now have what universal nature wills me to have, and I do what my nature now wills me to do.
- People in the past felt that we shouldn't let the body affect the soul, but I feel we should learn how to hack our own bodies and brains in order to become better souls.
5-26 Let the guiding and ruling part of your soul be undisturbed by the movements of the flesh, whether pleasure or pain; let it not unite with them, but let it circumscribe itself, and let those feelings be confined to themselves without affecting the soul.
5-26 Let the guiding and ruling part of your soul be undisturbed by the movements of the flesh, whether pleasure or pain; let it not unite with them, but let it circumscribe itself, and let those feelings be confined to themselves without affecting the soul.
- Disdain pleasure and pain, spurn the things called glorious, and show kindness to ill-natured, ordinary people.
5-31 Consider whether from now on you will conduct yourself towards everyone in such a way that it may be said of you: "A man who erred in neither deed nor word — he never did anyone injustice, nor spoke unfairly." Recall how many things you have been through, how many hardships you have been able to endure; that your life is now ending and your service is now over; how many beautiful things you have seen, how many pleasures and pains you have disdained, how many so-called glorious things you have spurned, and to how many ill-natured, ordinary people you have shown kindness.
- The pillar of the heart is sometimes a person, or a desire. Ultimately, it is a return to the self, a conversation with inner calm. Only by going back often can you keep a "normal" way of meeting life's ups and downs.
6-11 When you are in some way troubled because circumstances force you, turn quickly back to yourself, and once the pressure is gone, do not stay unsettled any longer; for by constantly returning to yourself you will reach a greater harmony.
6-12
If you had a stepmother and a mother at the same time, you would do your duty to your stepmother, yet you would keep returning to your mother. Now let the court and philosophy be your stepmother and your mother: return often to philosophy and find rest in her. Through her, the things you meet at court will seem bearable to you, and you will show patience at court.