Just consider, my friend, whether a pure spirit and virtue are anything other than saving your life and being saved. Perhaps we need to discard the idea of longevity and cease loving this life, instead committing these things to God and, believing that no one ever escapes destiny, to consider, with that in mind, how we may live the best possible life in the time that remains.

Am I doing anything? I do it with reference to the good of mankind. Does anything happen to me? I receive it and refer it to the gods, and the source of all things, from which all that happens is derived.

Everything harmonizes with me, which is harmonious to thee, o Universe. Nothing for me is too early or too late, which is in due time for thee.

Each of us needs what nature gives us, when nature gives us.

Take me and cast me where you will; I shall still be possessor of the divinity within me, serene and content.

This is enough. Do not add, And why were such things made in the world?

Whoever values peace of mind and the health of the soul will live the best of all possible lives.