Plutarch salutes his friend Paccius, 136. Worldly honor or wealth
cannot procure quietness of mind, 137. We should fortify ourselves
against trouble, _ib._ Tranquillity of mind not to be procured by
neglect of public or private duty, _ib._ Idleness is to many an
affliction, 138. Changes in life do not remove causes of disquiet,
140. The mind itself renders life pleasant or otherwise, 141. Make
the best of our circumstances, 142. Wise men derive benefit even
from affliction, 142. No trouble can arise, but good may come of it,
143. Be not soured with the perverseness of others, 144; nor fret at
their failings, 145. A consideration of the good we enjoy may help
us bear our afflictions, 146. Thus balancing one against the other,
147. Consider what the loss would be of our present enjoyments, 148.
Cultivate a contented mind, 148, 149. The want of which creates
suffering, 149. Look at those worse off than ourselves, 150. Every
one has his particular trouble, 151; therefore give no place to envy,
_ib._ Do not repine because some things are beyond your reach, 152.
Let every man know what he can do and be contented with doing it,
154. Let alone what you are not capable of, 155. It is wise to call
to mind past enjoyment, 156. Do not distress yourself by dwelling
on past sorrows, nor give way to despondency of the future, 157,
158. Neither be too sanguine in your hopes, 159. Afflictions come
as a matter of necessity, 161. Outward sufferings do not reach our
nobler part, the mind, 162. Death not a real, ultimate evil, 163. The
wise man may look down on things terrible to the vulgar, 164. Guilt
produces remorse, 165. A clear conscience a rich possession, 165.
Life should be full of joy, 166. That it is not to some is their own
fault, 167.