Meditations, Book 6, Section 33

Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Asia, Europe — what are they but corners of the world? The whole ocean is just one drop. Mount Athos is just a clump of dirt. All present time is just one point in eternity. Everything is small. Everything changes quickly and dies. All things come from one source. Either the ruler of all decides each thing separately, or everything follows by necessity. So the terrible jaws of a lion, all poison, all harmful things — these are just natural results of beautiful things, like thorns and mud. Don't think of these as opposite to what you honor and respect. Instead, think about the true source of everything.

Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Asia, Europe; what are they, but as corners of the whole world; of which the whole sea, is but as one drop; and the great Mount Athos, but as a clod, as all present time is but as one point of eternity. All, petty things; all things that are soon altered, soon perished. And all things come from one beginning; either all severally and particularly deliberated and resolved upon, by the general ruler and governor of all; or all by necessary consequence. So that the dreadful hiatus of a gaping lion, and all poison, and all hurtful things, are but (as the thorn and the mire) the necessary consequences of goodly fair things. Think not of these therefore, as things contrary to those which thou dost much honour, and respect; but consider in thy mind the true fountain of all.