Epictetus, Golden Sayings 39

When one took counsel of Epictetus, saying, "What I seek is this, how even though my brother is not reconciled to me, I may still remain as Nature would have me to be," he replied: 

"All great things are slow of growth; this is true even of a grape or of a fig. If then you say to me now, I desire a fig, I shall answer, it needs time.

"Wait until it first flowers, then it casts its blossom, then it ripens. 

"Since then the fruit of the fig tree does not reach maturity suddenly, nor yet in a single hour, do you nevertheless desire so quickly and easily, to reap the fruit of the mind of man?

"No, do not expect it, even though you asked it!"