Who then is free? The one who wisely is lord of themselves, who neither poverty, death or captivity terrify, who is strong to resist his appetites and shun honors, and is complete in themselves smooth and round like a globe.

Summary

This quote suggests that true freedom is attained by those who have mastery over themselves. It is not dependent on external circumstances such as poverty, death, or captivity. True freedom comes from having the strength to resist impulsive urges and the ability to avoid being swayed by the allure of recognition. The quote also emphasizes the idea that being complete within oneself, like a smooth and rounded globe, is key to unlocking freedom. Therefore, the essence of freedom lies in self-control, resilience, and a deep sense of inner satisfaction.

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