A passage from Epictetus

Epictetus, Enchiridion 3

With regard to whatever objects either delight the mind or contribute to use or are tenderly beloved, remind yourself of what nature they are, beginning with the merest trifles: if you have a favorite cup, that it is only a cup; then if it is broken you can bear it.
Epictetus·Enchiridion·3·trans. Thomas Higginson
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