Sublime

Then what can guide us? Only philosophy. Which means making sure that the power within stays safe and free from assault, superior to pleasure and pain, doing nothing randomly or dishonestly and with imposture, not dependent on anyone else’s doing something or not doing it. And making sure that it accepts what happens and what it is dealt as coming

That is for the good of each thing, which the universal nature brings to each. And it is for its good at the time when nature brings it.

Nobility arises from and exists by sacrifice, courage, and a clear sense of duty to oneself and society, by expecting due regard for itself as a matter of course; and it shows an equally natural regard for others, whether they are of higher or of lower degree.

For Aquinas, too, the life devoted to inner stillness and spiritual knowledge, the vita contemplativa, is the highest form of human activity. He concedes that the daily life, the vita activa, of the average person, is also valuable, and it leads to well-being (beatitudo), provided—and this qualification is crucial—that the aim toward which all one’

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only virtue can be counted on to benefit unconditionally and only vice counts as harmful in all possible circumstances.

The wise make known their gratitude for the smallest favor they receive and expect none for the greatest benefit they bestow.

This above all: to thine own self be true; And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.