"May that day never come!" he replied. Then why are you upset if Philostorgus gets something in return for what he sells? How can you call him happy when he gets things through methods you despise? What wrong does Providence do if it gives better things to better people? Isn't it better to be modest than to be rich? He agreed it was. Then why are you upset when you have the better thing? Always remember this truth and keep it ready: it's a law of nature that the superior person has the advantage over the inferior person in whatever makes them superior. If you remember this, you'll never be upset.
May it never happen, he replied, that this day should come? Why then are you vexed, if he receives something in return for that which he sells; or how can you consider him happy who acquires those things by such means as you abominate; or what wrong does Providence, if he gives the better things to the better men? Is it not better to be modest than to be rich? He admitted this. Why are you vexed then, man, when you possess the better thing? Remember then always and have in readiness the truth, that this is a law of nature, that the superior has an advantage over the inferior in that in which he is superior; and you will never be vexed.