Volume 1 - Discourses - Books I - II - College of Stoic Philosophers

BOOK II. x.5-13arrangement of the whole, and the whole is moresovereign than the part, and the state more sovereignthan the citizen. But as it is, seeing that we donot know beforehand what isgoing to happen,it isour duty to cleave to that which is naturally morefit to be chosen, since we are born for this purpose.Next bear in mind that you are a Son. What isthe profession of this character ? To treat everythingthat is his own as belonging to his father, tobe obedient to him in all things, never to speak illof him to anyone else., nor to say or do anythingthat will harm him, to give way to him in everythingand yield him precedence, helping him as far as iswithin his power.Next know that you are also a Brother. Uponthis character also there is incumbent deference,,obedience,, kindly speech, never to claim as againstyour brother any of the things that lie outside therealm of your free moral choice, but cheerfully togive them up, so that in the things that do lie withinthe realm of your free moral choice you may havethe best of it. 1 For see what it is, at the price of ahead of lettuce, if it so chance, or of a seat, for youto acquire his goodwill how greatly you get thebest of it there !Next, if yousit in the town council of some city,remember that you are a councillor if; you areyoung, remember that you are young; if old, thatyou are an elder if a; father, that you are a father.For each of these designations, when duly considered,always suggests the acts that are appropriateto it. But ifyou go off and speak ill of yourbrother, I say to you, " You have forgotten whoyou are and what your designation is/' Why, if you277