When you first meet someone, ask yourself right away: What does this person think is good or bad? What are their views on pain and pleasure? On honor and shame? On life and death? Once you understand their beliefs, you shouldn't be surprised by how they act. People act according to what they believe. Remember that they can't help but do what they do, given the opinions they hold. It would be foolish to wonder why a fig tree grows figs. It's just as foolish to wonder why the world produces whatever it naturally produces. A doctor shouldn't be surprised when someone gets sick. A ship captain shouldn't be surprised when the wind changes direction.
At thy first encounter with any one, say presently to thyself: This man, what are his opinions concerning that which is good or evil? as concerning pain, pleasure, and the causes of both; concerning honour, and dishonour, concerning life and death? thus and thus. Now if it be no wonder that a man should have such and such opinions, how can it be a wonder that he should do such and such things? I will remember then, that he cannot but do as he doth, holding those opinions that he doth. Remember, that as it is a shame for any man to wonder that a fig tree should bear figs, so also to wonder that the world should bear anything, whatsoever it is which in the ordinary course of nature it may bear. To a physician also and to a pilot it is a shame either for the one to wonder, that such and such a one should have an ague; or for the other, that the winds should prove Contrary.