Let not thy thoughts at once embrace all the various troubles which thou mayest expect to befall thee: but on every occasion ask thyself, What is there in this which is intolerable and past bearing? for thou wilt be ashamed to confess.
Marcus Aurelius offers counsel on managing anxiety by breaking down future worries and confronting the immediate nature of present difficulties.
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Throw away thy books; no longer distract thyself: it is not allowed; but as if thou wast now dying, despise the flesh; it is blood and bones and network, a contexture of nerves, veins, and arteries.
From thence all things flow; and there is besides necessity, and that which is for the advantage of the whole universe, of which thou art a part.
Be cheerful also, and seek not external help nor the tranquillity which others give.
But if there is a providence which allows itself to be propitiated, make thyself worthy of the help of the divinity.
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