Meditations VII.64

Whenever thou art in pain, have this reflection ready, that this is nothing to be ashamed of, nor can it make worse the mind that holds the helm. For it cannot impair it in so far as it is rational or in so far as it is social. In most pains, however, call to thy rescue even Epicurus when he says that a pain is never unbearable⁷⁸ or interminable, so that thou remember its limitations and add nothing to it in imagination.⁷⁹ Recollect this too that many of our every-day discomforts are really pain in disguise, such as drowsiness,⁸⁰ a high temperature, want of appetite. When inclined to be vexed at any of these, say to thyself: I am giving in to pain.⁸¹

• 78.See vii. 33.
• 79.See viii. 49.
• 80.See vi. 2.
• 81.Compare vi. 29.