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All In Your Mind
466. Locus of Control
"Let us cease to consider what, perhaps, may never happen, and
what, when it shall happen, will laugh at human speculation. We
will not endeavor to modify the motions of the elements, or to
fix the destiny of kingdoms. It is our business to consider what
beings like us may perform: each laboring for his own happiness
by promoting within his circle, however narrow, the happiness of
others."
Johnson: Rasselas [Rasselas]
Note: If you haven't read it yet, please read this note of caution regarding quotes from
Rasselas.
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1,401. Complaining; Life; Locus of
Control
"Many complaints are made of the misery
of life; and indeed it
must be confessed that we are subject to calamities by which the
good and bad, the diligent and slothful, the vigilant and
heedless are equally afflicted. But surely, though some
indulgence may be allowed to groans extorted by inevitable
misery, no man has a right to repine at evils which, against
warning, against experience, he deliberately and leisurely brings
upon his own head; or to consider himself as debarred from
happiness by such obstacles as resolution may break, or dexterity
may put aside."
Johnson: Rambler #178 (November 30, 1751)
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