Enchiridion

All things whatsoever may be divided into two sorts; those that are, and those that are not, within our own power: Of the former sort are our opinions and notions of things; our affections, our desires, and our aversions. And in short, all our actions of every kind are in our own power.

The things in our own power, are in their own nature free, not capable of being countermanded or hindred; but those that are not in our power, are feeble, servile, liable to opposition, and not ours but another's.

Remember upon all occasions, to reflect with yourself, of what nature and condition those things are which minister delight, or are useful and beneficial to you. For instance; if you are fond of an earthen cup, consider it is but earthen ware, and you cannot be much troubled or surprized, when ever it happens to be broke. And if you be fond of a child or a wife, consider, that these are of humane, that is of a frail and mortal nature; and thus your surprize and concern will be the less, when death takes either of them away from you.

That which gives men disquiet, and makes their lives miserable, is not the nature of things as they really are, but the notions and opinions, which they form to themselves concerning them. Thus, even death, which we look upon as the most perplexing and dreadful, hath in truth, nothing of terror in it. But our opinion that it is evil, is the only thing that makes it so.

Therefore, whenever we meet with obstructions and perplexities, or fall into troubles and disorders, let us be just, and not lay the blame where it is not due; but impute it all to our own selves, and our prejudicate opinions.