Memorabilia

But a sound and healthy body is a strong protection to a man, and at least there is no danger then of such a calamity happening to him through physical weakness: on the contrary, it is likely that his sound condition will serve to produce effects the opposite of those that arise from bad condition. And surely a man of sense would submit to anything to obtain the effects that are the opposite of those mentioned in my list.

Besides, it is a disgrace to grow old through sheer carelessness before seeing what manner of man you may become by developing your bodily strength and beauty to their highest limit. But you cannot see that, if you are careless; for it will not come of its own accord.

On a man who was angry because his greeting was not returned: Ridiculous! he exclaimed; you would not have been angry if you had met a man in worse health; and yet you are annoyed because you have come across someone with ruder manners!

On another who declared that he found no pleasure in eating: Acumenus, he said, has a good prescription for that ailment. And when asked What? he answered, Stop eating; and you will then find life pleasanter, cheaper, and healthier.

On yet another who complained that the drinking water at home was warm: Consequently, he said, when you want warm water to wash in, you will have it at hand.But it’s too cold for washing, objected the other.Then do your servants complain when they use it both for drinking and washing?Oh no: indeed I have often felt surprised that they are content with it for both these purposes.Which is the warmer to drink, the water in your house or Epidaurus water?[*](The hot spring in the precincts of Asclepius’ temple at Epidaurus.)Epidaurus water.And which is the colder to wash in, yours or Oropus water?[*](The spring by the temple of Amphiaraus at Oropus in Boeotia.)Oropus water.Then reflect that you are apparently harder to please than servants and invalids.