9781945186240

Does anything genuinely beautiful need supplementing? No more than
justice does—or truth, or kindness, or humility. Are any of those improved
by being praised? Or damaged by contempt? Is an emerald suddenly flawed
if no one admires it? Or gold, or ivory, or purple? Lyres? Knives? Flowers?
Bushes?
21. If our souls survive, how does the air find room for them—all of
them—since the beginning of time?
How does the earth find room for all the bodies buried in it since the
beginning of time? They linger for whatever length of time, and then,
through change and decomposition, make room for others. So too with the
souls that inhabit the air. They linger a little, and then are changed—
diffused and kindled into fire, absorbed into the logos from which all things
spring, and so make room for new arrivals.
One possible answer.
But we shouldn’t think only of the mass of buried bodies. There are the
ones consumed, on a daily basis, by us and by other animals. How many are
swallowed up like that, entombed in the bodies of those nourished by them,
and yet there is room for them all—converted into flesh and blood,
transformed to air and fire.
How is the truth of this determined?
Through analysis: material and cause.
22. Not to be driven this way and that, but always to behave with justice
and see things as they are.
23. To the world: Your harmony is mine. Whatever time you choose is
the right time. Not late, not early.
To nature: What the turn of your seasons brings me falls like ripe fruit.
All things are born from you, exist in you, return to you.
The poet says “dear city of Cecrops . . .” Can’t you bring yourself to say
“of Zeus”?
24. “If you seek tranquillity, do less.” Or (more accurately) do what’s
essential—what the logos of a social being requires, and in the requisite
way. Which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better.
Because most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can
eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquillity. Ask yourself at