How to Lead a Good Life

Whatever pains mortals receive from fate
by divine dispensation, whatever your fate,
bear it and do not resent it.

To remedy your lot as best you can is appropriate,
but reflect: fate does not give too many
of those misfortunes to the good.

Many words, both bad and good, fall upon human ears;
do not let them shock you nor obstruct your path.
And if falsehood is uttered, withdraw amiably.

Be sure to apply in every situation what I shall tell you now:
do not let anyone provoke you,
whether by word or by deed,
to do or say what isn’t the better choice for you.

Reflect well before you act,
so you don’t end up in foolishness;
only a coward acts and speaks thoughtlessly.

Only do things you won’t have to feel sorry for later.
Where you have no knowledge, there do not act,
but learn whatever is needed.
Thus, your life will be most enjoyable.

You should take best care of the health of your body,
keeping due balance in drink, food, and exercise –
I mean balance that will keep you from distress.

Make the pure and simple way of life a habit
and guard against actions that provoke envy.

Do not spend extravagantly
like someone unaware of what is good,
nor be tight-fisted:
due balance in everything is best.

Do what brings you no harm, and think before you act.

Do not accept sleep upon your soft eyes before you have
gone through your actions that day three times:
where have I gone wrong;
what have I accomplished;
what duty have I neglected?

Beginning with the first deed, go through them all in detail,
and then if your deeds were worthless,
reprove yourself,
but if you did well, fully enjoy the success.
_{Be Human – Then Divine}