As an organizer, I start from where the world is, as it is, not as I would like it to be. That we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be — it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be.
Ryan Holiday, The 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
Let's pass over to the really rich- how often the occasions they look just like to poor! When they travel abroad they must restrict their baggage, and when haste is necessary, they dismiss their entourage. And those who are in the army, how few of their possessions they get to keep..." —Seneca, On Consolation to Helvia, 12.1.b-2
Ryan Holiday, The 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
The soul is like a bowl of water, and our impressions are like the ray of light falling upon the water. When the water is troubled, it appears that the light itself is moved too, but it isn't. So, when a person loses their composure it isn't their skills and virtues that are troubled, but the spirit in which they exist, and when that spirit in which they exist, and when that spirit calms down so do those things. —Epictetus, Discourses, 3.3.20-22
The passersby had various reactions. Some were curious and gazed unabashedly. Others were uncomfortable. They were quick to duck their heads or walk in a wider circle. "No reminders of harshness today, please." Most, however, hardly noticed him. Their thoughts were occupied, their agendas were full and he was... well, he was a blind beggar.
