Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 1 · Plutarch
OF THE TRANQUILLITY OF THE MIND.
BY MATTHEW MORGAN, A.M., OF ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE IN OXFORD. 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.
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