"In the morning, when you rise unwillingly, let this thought be present - I am rising to do the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world? Or have I been made for this, to lie in my bed-clothes and keep myself warm?"
âBut this is more pleasant.â
"Do you exist then, to take your pleasure, and not at all for action or exertion? Do you not see the little plants, the little birds, the ants, the spiders, the bees, working together to put in order their several parts of the universe? And are you unwilling to do the work of a human being, and shouldnât you not focus on doing that which is according to your nature?"
âBut it is necessary to take rest also.â
âIt is necessary. However, nature has fixed bounds for this too; she has fixed bounds both to eating and drinking, and yet you go beyond these bounds, beyond what is sufficient, even though it is not in your own to do so, even though you should stop short of what you can do. So clearly you donât love yourself, for if you did, you would love your nature and her will. Those who love their several arts exhaust themselves in working at them â such people, when they have a violent affection to a thing, choose neither to eat nor to sleep rather than to perfect the things which they care for. So, shouldnât the acts which concern society, which suit your nature, be more worthy in your eyes and more worthy of your labor?â
