1. When a raven croaks you a bad omen, be not carried away by the appearance; but straightway distinguish with yourself and say, None of these things bodes aught to myself, but either to this poor body or this wretched property of mine, or to my good repute, or to my children, or to my wife. But to me all omens are fortunate if I choose to have it so. For whatever of these things may come to pass, it lies with me to have it serve me.
1. When a raven croaks a bad omen, do not let the impression carry you away. Instead, immediately make this distinction and say to yourself, None of these things predicts anything for my true self. They concern only this poor body, my wretched property, my reputation, my children, or my wife. But for me, all omens are fortunate if I choose to make them so. Whatever happens to any of these things, it is up to me to turn it to my benefit.
2. You may be always victorious if you will never enter into any contest but where the victory depends upon yourself.
2. You can always win if you enter only contests where victory depends entirely on you.
3. When you shall see a man honored above others, or mighty in power, or otherwise esteemed, look to it that thou deem him not blessed, being carried away by the appearance. For if the essence of the Good be in those things that are in our own power, then neither envy nor jealousy have any place, nor thou thyself shalt not desire to be commander or prince or consul, but to be free. And to this there is one road—scorn of the things that are not in our own power.
3. When you see someone honored above others, powerful, or highly respected, take care not to mistake appearances for true happiness. For if goodness lies in what is within our control, then neither envy nor jealousy has any place. You yourself will not want to be a commander, prince, or consul, but to be free. There is only one road to freedom, to scorn the things beyond our control.
4. Remember, it is not he that strikes or he that reviles that doth any man an injury, but the opinion about these things, that they are injurious. When, then, some one may provoke thee to wrath, know that it is thine own conception which hath provoked thee. Strive, therefore, at the outset not to be carried away by the appearance; for if thou once gain time and delay, thou wilt more easily master thyself.
4. Remember, someone who strikes or insults you does not harm you. What harms you is your belief that these things are harmful. When someone makes you angry, know that your own judgment has made you angry. So try, from the start, not to be swept away by how things appear. If you can gain some time and pause, you will find it easier to control yourself.
5. Death and exile, and all things that appear dreadful, let these be every day before thine eyes. But Death most of all; for so thou wilt neither despise nor too greatly desire any condition of life.
5. Keep death, exile, and all things that seem dreadful before your eyes every day. Above all, keep death in mind. Then you will neither despise nor desire too strongly any condition of life.