Anyone who comes to learn philosophy should have this goal: How can I follow the gods in everything? How can I be content with how the divine runs things? How can I become free? You're free when everything happens according to your will, and no one can stop you. But wait — does that mean freedom is madness? Of course not. Madness and freedom are not the same thing. You might say, "I want everything to work out exactly how I want it, when I want it." You're crazy. You're out of your mind. Don't you know that freedom is something noble and valuable? But wanting things to happen however I carelessly wish — that's not noble at all. It's actually shameful.
He who is receiving instruction ought to come to be instructed with this intention, How shall I follow the gods in all things, how shall I be contented with the divine administration, and how can I become free? For he is free to whom everything happens according to his will, and whom no man can hinder. What then, is freedom madness? Certainly not; for madness and freedom do not consist. But, you say, I would have everything result just as I like, and in whatever way I like. You are mad, you are beside yourself. Do you not know that freedom is a noble and valuable thing? But for me inconsiderately to wish for things to happen as I inconsiderately like, this appears to be not only not noble, but even most base.