Epictetus, Golden Sayings 51

When you go in to any of the great, remember that Another from above sees what is passing, and that you should please Him rather than man. He therefore asks you:

"In the Schools, what did you call exile, imprisonment, bonds, death, and shame?" 

"I called them things indifferent." 

"What then do you call them now? Are they at all changed?" 

"No."

"Is it then you that is changed?" 

"No." 

"Say then, what are things indifferent?" 

"Things that are not in our power." 

"Say then, what follows?" 

"That things which are not in our power are nothing to me." 

"Say also what things you hold to be good."

"A will such as it ought to be, and a right use of the things of sense." 

"And what is the end?" 

"To follow You!"