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Meditations · Marcus Aurelius

XXXVII. We all work to one effect, some willingly, and with a rational

apprehension of what we do: others without any such knowledge.

As I think Heraclitus in a place speaketh of them that sleep,

that even they do work in their kind, and do confer to the general

operations of the world. One man therefore doth co-operate after

one sort, and another after another sort; but even he that doth murmur,

and to his power doth resist and hinder; even he as much as any

doth co-operate. For of such also did the world stand in need.

Now do thou consider among which of these thou wilt rank thyself.

For as for him who is the Administrator of all, he will make good use

of thee whether thou wilt or no, and make thee (as a part and member

of the whole) so to co-operate with him, that whatsoever thou doest,

shall turn to the furtherance of his own counsels, and resolutions.

But be not thou for shame such a part of the whole, as that vile

and ridiculous verse (which Chrysippus in a place doth mention)

is a part of the comedy. XXXVIII. Doth either the sun take upon him

to do that which belongs to the rain? or his son Aesculapius that,

which unto the earth doth properly belong? How is it with every one

of the stars in particular? Though they all differ one from another,

and have their several charges and functions by themselves, do they

not all nevertheless concur and co-operate to one end?