"The picture of their social conditions is not so attractive as the picture of their external
appearance. The impression conveyed by our sources is that the splendour of the cities was
created by, and existed for, a rather small minority of their population; that the welfare even of
this small minority was based on comparatively weak foundations; that the large masses of the
city population had either a very moderate income or lived in extreme poverty. In a word, we
must not exaggerate the wealth of the cities: their external aspect is misleading."
On earth, says Epictetus, we are prisoners, and in an earthly body. According to Marcus
Aurelius, he used to say "Thou art a little soul bearing about a corpse." Zeus could not make the
body free, but he gave us a portion of his divinity. God is the father of men, and we are all
brothers. We should not say "I am an Athenian" or "I am a Roman," but "I am a citizen of the
universe." If you were a kinsman of Caesar, you would feel safe; how much more should you
feel safe in being a kinsman of God? If we understand that virtue is the only true good, we shall
see that no real evil can befall us.
I must die. But must I die groaning? I must be imprisoned. But must I whine as well? I must
suffer exile. Can any one then hinder me from going with a smile, and a good courage, and at
peace? "Tell the secret." I refuse to tell, for this is in my power. "But I will chain you." What
say you, fellow? Chain me? My leg you will chain--yes, but my will--no, not even Zeus can
conquer that. "I will imprison you." My bit of a body, you mean. "I will behead you." Why?
When did I ever tell you that I was the only man in the world that could not be beheaded?
These are the thoughts that those who pursue philosophy should ponder, these are the lessons
they should write down day by day, in these they should exercise themselves. *
Slaves are the equals of other men, because all alike are sons of God. We must submit to God
as a good citizen submits to the law. "The soldier swears to respect no man above Caesar, but
we to respect ourselves first of all." †"When you appear before the mighty of the earth,
remember that Another looks from above on what is happening, and that you must please Him
rather than this man." ‡
* Quoted from Oates, op. cit., pp. 225-26.â
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Ib., p. 251.â
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¡Ib., p. 280.