How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
“Your "upset" at the ruined picnic and your "happiness" when the sun reappeared were the product of your thoughts. They had nothing to do with the actual events. Haven't you been "unhappy" at celebrations for example? It is obvious then that your mind, not other people or your surroundings, is the source of your moods.” (2.71)
Don't let a little rain get you down. If you do, Socrates tells Dan, it's you letting your mind decide the rain is bad news. Instead, just be happy no matter what. Sounds like a tough discipline to develop. It's a lot easier just to blame what's happening around you.
Quote #8
"Stressful thoughts reflect a conflict with reality. Stress happens when the mind resists what is." (3.8)
Or as the common saying goes: It is what it is. And if you can't accept that, Socrates says, you're going to get stress out and dissatisfied with life.
Quote #9
A year went by almost without my noticing it. Everything was going so well; I couldn't understand my persistent feeling that I had lost something, a long time ago. The sharp images of my training with Socrates—running into the hills, the strange exercises late at night, the hours of talking and listening and watching my enigmatic teacher—were fading memories. (7.107)
Dan, dude, you let your training go. We are disappointed. Letting his discipline fade away sinks Dan back down into dissatisfaction with life.