(10:6) For instance, we have laid
down among the rules of life (IV:[xlvi] , &Note), that hatred should be
overcome with love or high-mindedness, and not required with hatred in
return. (7) Now, that this precept of reason may be always ready to our
hand in time of need, we should often think over and reflect upon the
wrongs generally committed by men, and in what manner and way they may be
best warded off by high-mindedness: we shall thus associate the idea of
wrong with the idea of this precept, which accordingly will always be ready
for use when a wrong is done to us (II:[xviii] ). (8) If we keep also in
readiness the notion of our true advantage, and of the good which follows
from mutual friendships, and common fellowships; further, if we remember
that complete acquiescence is the result of the right way of life (IV:lii.),
and that men, no less than everything else, act by the necessity of their
nature: in such case I say the wrong, or the hatred, which commonly arises
therefrom, will engross a very small part of our imagination and will be
easily overcome; or, if the anger which springs from a grievous wrong be
not overcome easily, it will nevertheless be overcome, though not without
a spiritual conflict, far sooner than if we had not thus reflected on the
subject beforehand. (9) As is indeed evident from [vi] [vii] [viii] .
(10:10) We should, in the same way, reflect on courage as a means of
overcoming fear; the ordinary dangers of life should frequently be brought
to mind and imagined, together with the means whereby through readiness
of resource and strength of mind we can avoid and overcome them.
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