Plain
Seneca — The Senator

Some people have learned to get by on very little sleep and stay alert for hours without getting tired. Others have learned to run across thin ropes, even when they're slanted. People can carry enormous weights that seem beyond human ability. They can dive to incredible depths and hold their breath underwater for amazing lengths of time. There are countless other examples where practice has overcome every obstacle. They prove that nothing is too difficult when your mind is set on enduring it.

On Anger, Book 2, Section 12 Book 2 · 31 of 103
Facing Hardship Knowing Yourself
Seneca — The Senator Original

Some, who are satisfied with short hours of rest, have learned to watch for long periods without weariness. Men have learned to run upon the thinnest ropes even when slanting, to carry huge burdens, scarcely within the compass of human strength, or to dive to enormous depths and suffer themselves to remain under the sea without any chance of drawing breath. There are a thousand other instances in which application has conquered all obstacles, and proved that nothing which the mind has set itself to endure is difficult.

On Anger, Book 2, Section 12 Book 2 · 31 of 103
Seneca — The Senator

"It's impossible," he says, "to completely remove anger from the mind. Human nature won't allow it." But there's nothing so hard that the human mind can't overcome it. With constant practice, we can become familiar with anything. No passion is so fierce that it can't be tamed by discipline. The mind can carry out whatever orders it gives itself. Some people have succeeded in never smiling. Others have given up wine, sex, or even all drinks.

On Anger, Book 2, Section 12 Book 2 · 30 of 103
Knowing Yourself Freedom & Control
Seneca — The Senator Original

“It is not possible,” says he, “to remove anger altogether from the mind, nor does human nature admit of it.” Yet there is nothing so hard and difficult that the mind of man cannot overcome it, and with which unremitting study will not render him familiar, nor are there any passions so fierce and independent that they cannot be tamed by discipline. The mind can carry out whatever orders it gives itself: some have succeeded in never smiling: some have forbidden themselves wine, sexual intercourse, or even drink of all kinds.

On Anger, Book 2, Section 12 Book 2 · 30 of 103
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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