"Receive without pride, let go without attachment." -MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 8.33
("자만하지 말고 받아들이고, 집착하지 말고 놓아버리십시오." - 마르쿠스 아우렐리우스, 명상록, 8.33)
In the midst of the breakdown of the Roman Republic, during the civil war between Pompey and Caesar, Pompey made the decision to give control of the military fleet to Cato. It was a massive honor and hugely powerful position. But then a few days later, responding to the protests of his jealous inner circle, Pompey reversed his decision and took the command away.
It could have been seen as an enormous public humiliation—to be given a promotion and then have it taken away. The record shows that Cato's reaction was basically nothing. He responded to the honor and the dishonor the same way: with indifference and acceptance. He certainly didn't let it affect his support for the cause. In fact, after the snub, he worked to rally the soldiers before battle with inspirational speeches-the very men who should...