Epictetus. (c.A.D. 50–c.A.D. 138). The Golden Sayings of Epictetus.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
XCII
“His son is dead.”
What has happened?
“His son is dead.”
Nothing more?
“Nothing.”
“His ship is lost.”
What has happened?
“His ship is lost.”
“He has been haled to prison.”
What has happened?
“He has been haled to prison.”
But that any of these things are misfortunes to him, is an addition which every one makes of his own. But (you say) God is unjust in this.—Why? For having given thee endurance and greatness of soul? For having made such things to be no evils? For placing happiness within thy reach, even when enduring them? For opening unto thee a door, when things make not for thy good?—Depart, my friend, and find fault no more!