Plain
Seneca — The Senator

We shouldn't let our desires roam too far from what we can actually get. We need to keep them focused on what's nearby and possible, since they won't stand being completely locked up. We should avoid chasing things that are either impossible or extremely difficult to achieve. Instead, we should go after things that are close at hand and within reach. Remember this: all external things are equally unimportant. They may look different on the outside, but inside they're all equally hollow.

On Peace of Mind, Section 10 58 of 100
Freedom & Control What Matters Most
Seneca — The Senator Original

Moreover, we ought not to allow our desires to wander far afield, but we must make them confine themselves to our immediate neighbourhood, since they will not endure to be altogether locked up. We must leave alone things which either cannot come to pass or can only be effected with difficulty, and follow after such things as are near at hand and within reach of our hopes, always remembering that all things are equally unimportant, and that though they have a different outward appearance, they are all alike empty within.

On Peace of Mind, Section 10 58 of 100
Seneca — The Senator

No situation is so bad that a fair-minded person can't find something good in it. Small spaces can serve many purposes if you divide them cleverly. Good planning makes even the tiniest room livable. Use your common sense when facing problems. You can soften what feels harsh. You can make tight spaces feel bigger. Heavy burdens weigh less when you know how to carry them properly.

On Peace of Mind, Section 10 57 of 100
Facing Hardship Freedom & Control
Seneca — The Senator Original

No condition can be so wretched that an impartial mind can find no compensations in it. Small sites, if ingeniously divided, may be made use of for many different purposes, and arrangement will render ever so narrow a room habitable. Call good sense to your aid against difficulties: it is possible to soften what is harsh, to widen what is too narrow, and to make heavy burdens press less severely upon one who bears them skilfully.

On Peace of Mind, Section 10 57 of 100
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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