Learn this, then, since we both agree that these things are worth having: here's my reasoning for counting them among good things, and how I would behave differently toward you if I had them. Put me in charge of a very rich man's house. Put me where gold and silver dishes are used for everyday meals. I won't think more of myself because of things that, even though they're in my house, are not really part of me. Take me away to the wooden bridge and set me down among the beggars. I won't despise myself because I'm sitting among people who hold out their hands for coins. What does it matter if I lack a piece of bread when I don't lack the power to die? So then? I prefer the magnificent house to the beggar's bridge. Put me among beautiful furniture and all the tools of luxury. I won't think myself any happier because my cloak is soft, or because my guests rest on purple cushions.
Learn, then, since we both agree that they are desirable, what my reason is amongst counting them among good things, and in what respects I should behave differently to you if I possessed them. Place me as master in the house of a very rich man: place me where gold and silver plate is used for the commonest purposes; I shall not think more of myself because of things which even though they are in my house are yet no part of me. Take me away to the wooden bridge[5] and put me down there among the beggars: I shall not despise myself because I am sitting among those who hold out their hands for alms: for what can the lack of a piece of bread matter to one who does not lack the power of dying? Well, then? I prefer the magnificent house to the beggar's bridge. Place me among magnificent furniture and all the appliances of luxury: I shall not think myself any happier because my cloak is soft, because my guests rest upon purple.