Epictetus, Golden Sayings 6

But what says God?

"Had it been possible, Epictetus, I would have made both that body of yours and your possessions free and unimpeded, but as it is, be not deceived.

"It is not your own. It is but finely tempered clay. 

"Since then this I could not do, I have given you a portion of Myself, in the power of desiring and declining, and of pursuing and avoiding, and in a word the power of dealing with the things of sense. 

"And if you do not neglect this, but place all that you have in it, you shall never be deprived or hindered. You shall never lament. You shall not blame or flatter anyone. 

"What then? Does this seem like a little thing?"

God forbid!

"Be content then with it!"

And so I pray to the Gods.