Either an ordered universe or a chaotic medley heaped together mechanically but still an order; but can order subsist in you and disorder in the whole? And that, too, when all things are so distinguished and yet intermingled and sympathetic.
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Aurelius – Meditations 12:14-15
Either the necessity of destiny and an order none may transgress, or providence that hears intercession, or an ungoverned chaos without a purpose. If then a necessity which none may transgress, why do you resist? If a providence admitting intercession, make yourself worthy of assistance from God. If an undirected chaos, be glad that in so great a flood of waves you have yourself within you a directing mind; and, if the flood carry you away, let it carry away flesh, vital-spirit, the rest of you; for your mind it shall not carry away. Does the light of the lamp shine and not lose its radiance until it be put out, and shall truth and justice and temperance be put out in you before the end?
Seneca – On Providence 5:4
What is the duty of the good man? To offer himself to Fate. It is a great consolation that our rapid course is one with the universe's.
See Ralbag Hakdamah to Sefer Bereishis
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If you have questions, comments, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail.
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Stoic texts:
The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Letters from a Stoic Master (Seneca)
The Discourses of Epictetus
The Enchiridion (Handbook) of Epictetus
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