Series II · Card 14 of 21 · THE PAINTED PORCH
The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.
MARCUS AURELIUS · MEDITATIONS 5.20
Original (grc)
περιτρέπει γὰρ καὶ μεθίστησι πᾶν τὸ τῆς ἐνεργείας κώλυμα ἡ διάνοια εἰς τὸ προηγούμενον, καὶ πρὸ ἔργου γίνεται τὸ τοῦ ἔργου τούτου ἐφεκτικόν, καὶ πρὸ ὁδοῦ τὸ τῆς ὁδοῦ ταύτης ἐνστατικόν.Translation: Benedikt Stafflinger
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Source
Meditations 5.20, after the English translation by Gregory Hays (2002)
About the author
Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher (121–180 AD). His “Meditations” remains one of the most enduring texts on inner discipline, duty, and self-mastery.
About the source
Meditations: notes Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote for himself, partly during his military campaigns.
The question on the back
Could your obstacle be the way itself right now?