Page "Crates of Thebes" Paragraph 12

And therefore Crates replied to the man who asked, " What will be in it for me after I become a philosopher?

" " You will be able ," he said, " to open your wallet easily and with your hand scoop out and dispense lavishly instead of, as you do now, squirming and hesitating and trembling like those with paralyzed hands.

Rather, if the wallet is full, that is how you will view it ; and if you see that it is empty, you will not be distressed.

And once you have elected to use the money, you will easily be able to do so ; and if you have none, you will not yearn for it, but you will live satisfied with what you have, not desiring what you do not have nor displeased with whatever comes your way.