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Today, we continue our readings from “Morals” by Plutarch (vegetarian), on finding contentment by appreciating what we have and focusing on our strengths, rather than chasing status or envying others. “They ever want something above them, and are never thankful for what they have. […] What is all this but seeking out excuses for being unthankful to fortune, only to torment and punish oneself? But he that has a mind in sound condition, does not sit down in sorrow and dejection if he is less renowned or rich than some of the countless myriads of mankind that the Sun looks upon, ‘who feed on the produce of the wide world,’ but goes on his way rejoicing at his fortune and life, as far fairer and happier than that of myriads of others. So also we, when we hear anyone saying that our affairs are bad and in a woeful plight, because we are not consuls or governors, may reply, ‘Our affairs are in an admirable condition, and our life an enviable one, seeing that we do not beg, nor carry burdens, nor live by flattery.’ […] Another thing, which is a great hindrance to peace of mind, is not to proportion our desires to our means, but to carry too much sail, as it were, in our hopes of great things and then, if unsuccessful, to blame destiny and fortune, and not our own folly. […] And indeed, there are some pursuits which cannot exist together, but are by their very nature opposed. For example, oratory and the study of the mathematics require ease and leisure; whereas political ability and the friendship of Kings cannot be attained without mixing in affairs and in public life. Moreover, […] though unremitting attention to making and saving money will heap up wealth, yet despising and contemning riches is a great help to philosophy. So that all things are not within any one’s power, and we must obey that saying inscribed in the temple of Apollo at Delphi, ‘Know thyself,’ and adapt ourselves to our natural bent, and not drag and force nature to some other kind of life or pursuit. […]”
