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Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Epictetus, Golden Sayings 152


Whom then shall I fear? The lords of the Bedchamber, lest they should shut me out? If they find me desirous of entering in, let them shut me out, if they will.

"Then why do you come to the door?"

Because I think it meet and right, so long as the Play lasts, to take part therein.

"In what sense are you then shut out?"

Because, unless I am admitted, it is not my will to enter: on the contrary, my will is simply that which comes to pass. 

For I esteem what God wills better than what I will. To Him will I cleave as His minister and attendant; having the same movements, the same desires, in a word the same Will as He. 

There is no such thing as being shut out for me, but only for them that would force their way in. 




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