The periodic movements of the universe are the same, up and down from age to age. And either the universal intelligence TERMputs itself in motion for every separate effect, and if this is so, be thou content with that which is the result of its activity; or it puts itself in motion once, and everything else comes by way of sequence in a manner; or indivisible elements are the origin of all things. In a word, DOGMAif there is a god, all is well; and if chance rules, do not thou also be governed by it.

Soon will the earth cover us all: then the earth, too, will change, and the things also which result from change will continue to change for ever, and these again for ever. For if a man reflects on TERMthe changes and transformations which follow one another like wave after wave and their rapidity, EXERCISEhe will despise everything which is perishable.

The cyclic movements of the cosmos are the same, up and down, from age to age. Either the mind of the Whole TERMimpels toward each single thing — and if so, welcome what it impels — or it impelled once and the rest follows in sequence; or, in a manner, atoms. In a word: DOGMAif there is a god, all is well; and if it is at random, do not you too be at random.

Soon the earth will cover us all; then it too will change, and what comes of that into infinity, and that again into infinity. Reflecting on TERMthe surging waves of change and alteration and their speed, EXERCISEone will despise everything mortal.