Meditations, Book 5, Section 17

Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

In one way, other people are closest to us. We should help them and put up with them. But when someone opposes what I truly need to do, that person becomes just another neutral thing to me — like the sun, wind, or a wild animal. These things might block some action of mine. But they cannot stop my mind or my resolve. My mind has a constant ability to shift and adapt. It turns away from what cannot be done toward what can be done. This is how the mind works — it converts any obstacle into its new target. What was blocking the path becomes the path itself.

Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

After one consideration, man is nearest unto us; as we are bound to do them good, and to bear with them. But as he may oppose any of our true proper actions, so man is unto me but as a thing indifferent: even as the sun, or the wind, or some wild beast. By some of these it may be, that some operation or other of mine, may be hindered; however, of my mind and resolution itself, there can be no let or impediment, by reason of that ordinary constant both exception (or reservation wherewith it inclineth) and ready conversion of objects; from that which may not be, to that which may be, which in the prosecution of its inclinations, as occasion serves, it doth observe. For by these the mind doth turn and convert any impediment whatsoever, to be her aim and purpose. So that what before was the impediment, is now the principal object of her working; and that which before was in her way, is now her readiest way.