Mala knjiga stoicizma
In earlier Greek philosophers, virtue was aristocratic and exclusive. Stoicism gave it to the lowest layers of humanity. In the kingdom of wisdom there was no barbarian, no Scythian, bound or free.
The only real liberty was to serve philosophy, or, which was the same thing, to serve God; and this could be done at any station in life.
The only condition for communion with the gods and good men was the possession of a certain mentality, which could equally belong to a master, a freed slave or a slave. Instead of arrogantly proving the natural nobility of the Greeks, we now hear that true nobility is a good mind. Birth is not important; all descended from the gods.
"The door of virtue is not closed to any man; they are open to everyone, they accept everyone, they invite everyone - free people, freed slaves, slaves, kings and exiles. Their choice is not a choice of family or wealth, but is satisfied with the man himself». Wherever there was a human being, Stoicism saw a field for doing good.
"Every thing that occupies the soul, that brings us benefit or that we love, remember to call it by its right name, starting with the smallest. If you like the pot, say "I love the pot", so you won't get upset when it breaks. If you love your child or your wife, say "I love a human being", so you won't be sad if he dies.»
"With the beautiful thoughts you feel inside, I advise you, go among the uneducated only with extreme caution; otherwise you will melt like wax in the sun. So crawl anywhere away from the sun as long as your views are as soft as wax». (Epictetus)
One copy is available
