Embrace adversity from "summary" of Letters from a Stoic by Seneca
The wise man will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can. He will mark in what place, with whom, and how he is to conduct his existence, and what he is about, and at what times. He will have the seasons of his life set in order. He who is not busy living is busy dying. The one who seeks every pleasure and turns aside from all pain is weak. Toil and pain are the accompaniments of life. The wise man will not allow himself to be dislodged from his happiness as long as his reason remains unimpaired. He will be strong, noble, and free, and will neither be misled by pleasure nor vanquished by pain. The wise man will not be frightened by poverty or disease, or the other accidents of life. He will love and hate with reason. He will be led by reason and not by the eyes. He will see the good that lies in whatever happens and will not be cast down by adversity. He will not find pleasure in the misfortune of others. He will learn from the ancients and acquire their virtues. He will not be perturbed by the changes of fortune, but will remain constant in his purpose. He will be self-sufficient and not rely on o...
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