Other related topics at: Equanimity, etc. 462. Celibacy; Charity; Involvement; Marriage; Stoicism; Solitude "To live without feeling or exciting sympathy, to be fortunate without adding to the felicity of others, or afflicted without tasting the balm of pity, is a state more gloomy than solitude; it is not retreat, but exclusion from mankind. Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures." Johnson: Rasselas [Princess Nekayah] Note: If you haven't read it yet, please read this note of caution regarding quotes from Rasselas. Link 510. Stoicism "But we may very properly inquire how near to this exalted state [Stoicism] it is in our power to approach, how far we can exempt ourselves from outward influences, and secure to our minds a state of tranquillity: for, though the boast of absolute independence is ridiculous and vain, yet a mean flexibility to every impulse, and a patient submission to the tyranny of casual troubles is below the dignity of that mind which, however depraved or weakened, boasts its derivation from a celestial original, and hopes for a union with infinite goodness and unvariable felicity." Johnson: Rambler #6 (April 7, 1750) Link 627. Stoicism "Many ... teach us not to trust ourselves with favourite enjoyments, not to indulge the luxury of fondness, but to keep our minds always suspended in such indifference that we may change the objects about us without emotion. [...] An attempt to preserve life in a state of neutrality and indifference is unreasonable and vain." Johnson: Rambler #47 (August 28, 1750) Link