Reflect often upon the rapidity with which all existing things, or things coming into existence, sweep past us and are carried away.

No form of nature is inferior to art; for the arts merely imitate natural forms.

Everything is here for a purpose, from horses to vine shoots. What's surprising about that? Even the sun will tell you, "I have a purpose," and the other goods as well.

Receive without conceit, release without struggle.

No one can keep you from living as your nature requires. Nothings can happen to you that is not required by Nature.

Run down the list of those who felt intense anger at something: the most famous, the most unfortunate, the most hated, the most whatever: Where is all that now? Smoke, dust, legend...or not even a legend. Think of all the examples. And how trivial the things we want so passionately are.

Everything that happens, happens as it should.