Epictetus reminds us again and again that we may have many, if not all, such advantages as the world has to offer, _if we are willing to pay the price by which they are obtained_.

But if that price be a mean or a wicked one, and if we should scorn ourselves were we ever tempted to pay it, then we must not even cast one longing look of regret towards things which can only be got by that which we deliberately refuse to give.

Every good and just man may gain, if not happiness, then something higher than happiness.

Let no one regard this as a mere phrase, for it is capable of a most distinct and definite meaning.

There are certain things which all men desire, and which all men would _gladly_, if they could _lawfully_ and _innocently_ obtain.