Meditations (1)

But the resolution has to be the result of its own decision,
not just in response to outside forces [like the Christians]. It
has to be considered and serious, persuasive to other people.
Without dramatics.
4. Have I done something for the common good? Then I share
in the benefits.
To stay centered on that. Not to give up.
5. “And your profession?” “Goodness.” (And how is that to
be achieved, except by thought—about the world, about the
nature of people?)
6. First, tragedies. To remind us of what can happen, and that
it happens inevitably—and if something gives you pleasure
on that stage, it shouldn’t cause you anger on this one. You
realize that these are things we all have to go through, and
that even those who cry aloud “o Mount Cithaeron!” have to
endure them. And some excellent lines as well. These, for
example:
If I and my two children cannot move the gods
The gods must have their reasons