Kitap 3
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We are not to carry our training beyond Nature and Reason; for thus we, who call ourselves philosophers, shall not differ from jugglers. For it is no doubt difficult to walk upon a rope, and not only difficult, but dangerous. Ought we too, for that reason, to make it our study to walk upon a rope, or balance a pole,A phrase occurs here which has greatly puzzled the commentators, but which evidently refers to the gymnastic exercise known as the perche-pole, where a pole is balanced by one performer and ascended by another.—H. or grasp a statue? Diogenes used, in winter, to grasp statues when they were covered with snow, as an exercise to inure himself to hardship. Diogenes Laertius.—C. By no means. It is not everything difficult or dangerous that is a proper training, but such things as are conducive to what lies before us to do.
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And what is it that lies before us to do?
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To have our desires and aversions free from restraint.
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How is that?
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Not to be disappointed of our desire, nor incur our aversion. To this ought our training to be directed. For without vigorous and steady training, it is not possible to preserve our desire undisappointed and our aversion unincurred; and therefore, if we suffer it to be externally employed on things uncontrollable by Will, be assured that your desire will neither gain its object, nor your aversion avoid it.
