When thou hast been compelled by circumstances to be disturbed in a manner, quickly return to thyself, and do not continue out of tune longer than the compulsion lasts; for thou wilt have more mastery over the harmony by continually recurring to it.
Marcus Aurelius advises that when external events cause emotional disturbance, one should swiftly regain inner composure and not prolong the state of disharmony.
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More from Marcus Aurelius
It is thy duty to leave another man's wrongful act there where it is (vii. 29; ix. 38).
Begin the morning by saying to thyself, I shall meet with the busybody, the ungrateful, arrogant, deceitful, envious, unsocial.
Be cheerful also, and seek not external help nor the tranquillity which others give.
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