Faced with pain, you will discover the power of endurance. If you are insulted, you will discover patience. In time, you will grow to be confident th… - Epictetus

In time, you will grow to be confident that there is not a single impression that you will not have the moral means to tolerate.

So you wish to conquer in the Olympic Games, my friend? And I, too... But first mark the conditions and the consequences. You will have to put yourself under discipline; to eat by rule, to avoid cakes and sweetmeats; to take exercise at the appointed hour whether you like it or not, in cold and heat; to abstain from cold drinks and wine at your will. Then, in the conflict itself you are likely enough to dislocate your wrist or twist your ankle, to swallow a great deal of dust, to be severely thrashed, and after all of these things, to be defeated.

None of these things are foretold to me; but either to my paltry body, or property, or reputation, or children, or wife. But to me all omens are lucky, if I will. For whichever of these things happens, it is in my control to derive advantage from it.

Give me by all means the shorter and nobler life, instead of one that is longer but of less account!