Epictetus, Golden Sayings 29

Considering all these things, the good and true man submits his judgment to Him that administers the Universe, even as good citizens do to the law of the State. And he that is being instructed should come thus minded:

How may I in all things follow the Gods, and how may I rest satisfied with the Divine Administration, and how may I become free? 

For he is free for whom all things come to pass according to his will, and whom none can hinder. 

What then, is freedom madness? God forbid. For madness and freedom cannot exist together. 

"But I wish all that I desire to come to pass and in the manner that I desire!" 

You are mad, you are beside yourself. Know you not that Freedom is a glorious thing and of great worth? But that what I desired at random I should wish at random to come to pass, so far from being noble, may well be exceedingly base.