The Wise Know That There Is One Real Mastery

"At present men are more or less under the sway of rebellious thoughts, and the conquest of these is the supreme conquest of life.

The unwise think that everything can be mastered but oneself, and they seek for happiness for themselves and others by modifying external things.

The transposing of outward effects cannot bring permanent happiness, or bestow wisdom;

The patching and coddling of a sin-laden body cannot produce health and well-being .

The wise know that there is no real mastery until self is subdued, that when oneself is conqured, the subjugation of externals is finally asssured, and they find happiness for ever springing up within them in the calm strength of divine virtue.

They put away sin, and purify and strengthen the body by rising superior to the sway of its passions."

James Allen