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Now this was possible only by a man determining himself entirely *rationally* according to concepts, not according to changing impressions and moods. ...more

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In conformity with this spirit and aim of the Stoa, Epictetus begins with it and constantly returns to it as the kernel of his philosophy, that we sho...more

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Suffering by nature or chance never seems so painful as suffering inflicted on us by the arbitrary will of another.

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Compassion is the basis of morality.

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I cannot here withhold the statement that optimism, where it is not merely the thoughtless talk of those who harbor nothing but words under their shal...more

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One simple test of the claim that the pleasure in the world outweighs the pain…is to compare the feelings of an animal that is devouring another with ...more

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If the immediate and direct purpose of our life is not suffering then our existence is the most ill-adapted to its purpose in the world.

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God, who in the beginning was the creator, appears in the end as revenger and rewarder. Deference to such a God admittedly can produce virtuous action...more

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If you want a safe compass to guide you through life, and to banish all doubt as to the right way of looking at it, you cannot do better than accustom...more

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The assumption that animals are without rights and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance is a positively outrageous exampl...more

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Boundless compassion for all living beings is the surest and most certain guarantee of pure moral conduct, and needs no casuistry. Whoever is filled w...more

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All striving comes from lack, from a dissatisfaction with one's condition, and is thus suffering as long as it is not satisfied; but no satisfaction i...more