Price of Peace and Tranquility
Chapter XII, Enchiridion
If you would improve, lay aside such reasonings as these: “If I neglect my affairs, I shall not have a maintenance; if I do not punish my servant, he will be good for nothing.” For it were better to die of hunger, exempt from grief and fear, than to live in affluence with perturbation; and it is better that your servant should be bad than you unhappy. Begin therefore with little things. Is a little oil spilled or a little wine stolen? Say to yourself, “This is the price paid for peace and tranquillity; and nothing is to be had for nothing.” And when you call your servant, consider that it is possible he may not come at your call; or, if he does, that he may not do what you wish. But it is not at all desirable for him, and very undesirable for you, that it should be in his power to cause you any disturbance.
Thoughts
a. The importance thing in life is not affluence or wealth with a life free from perturbation (anxiety).
b. Indeed it is best to pursue peace and serenity than fulfill maintenance
c. Better your servant be bad than you unhappy. Happiness above all.
d. Do not rent out space in your head to people, places or things.
e. Do not sweat the small stuff.
f. Do not hand the power of disturbance to others.
g. Price of peace and tranquility letting things go. Accepting mishaps and irritations as the price of tranquility.