Library

The Golden Sayings of Epictetus, with the Hymn of Cleanthes

XXIX

Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition Epictetus and Crossley, Hastings
Open passage
Considering all these things, the good and true man submits his judgement to Him that administers the Universe, even as good citizens to the law of the State. And he that is being instructed should come thus minded:—How may I in all things follow the Gods; and, How may I rest satisfied with the Divine Administration; and, How may I become free? For he is free for whom all things come to pass according to his will, and whom none can hinder. What then, is freedom madness? God forbid. For madness and freedom exist not together.
Open passage
“But I wish all that I desire to come to pass and in the manner that I desire.”
Open passage
—You are mad, you are beside yourself. Know you not that Freedom is a glorious thing and of great worth? But that what I desired at random I should wish at random to come to pass, so far from being noble, may well be exceeding base.

Source attribution

The Golden Sayings of Epictetus, with the Hymn of Cleanthes, Project Gutenberg eBook #871

XXVIII XXX