True happiness comes from virtue. And what will virtue tell you to do? First, don't think anything is good or bad unless it's actually virtuous or wicked. Second, stay calm when bad things attack you. And when possible, make something godlike out of what's good. What reward does virtue promise you for this effort? An enormous one that puts you on the level of the gods. You won't be held back by anything or lack anything. You'll be free, safe, and unhurt. You won't fail at anything you try. Nothing will be off-limits to you. Everything will go as you wish. No misfortune will hit you. Nothing will happen except what you expect and hope for.
True happiness, therefore, consists in virtue: and what will this virtue bid you do? Not to think anything bad or good which is connected neither with virtue nor with wickedness: and in the next place, both to endure unmoved the assaults of evil, and, as far as is right, to form a god out of what is good. What reward does she promise you for this campaign? an enormous one, and one that raises you to the level of the gods: you shall be subject to no restraint and to no want; you shall be free, safe, unhurt; you shall fail in nothing that you attempt; you shall be debarred from nothing; everything shall turn out according to your wish; no misfortune shall befal you; nothing shall happen to you except what you expect and hope for.