Washington and Caesar

Do you not know that life is a soldier’s service? One man must keep guard, another go out to reconnoiter, another take the field. It is not possible for all to stay where they are, nor is it better so. But you neglect to fulfill the orders of the general and complain, when some severe order is laid upon you; you do not understand to what a pitiful state you are bringing the army so far as in you lies; you do not see that if all follow your example there will be no one to dig a trench, or raise a palisade, no one to keep night watch or fight in the field, but every one will seem an unserviceable soldier.

…So too it is in the world; each man’s life is a campaign, and a long and varied one. It is for you to play the soldier’s part-do everything at the General’s bidding, divining his wishes, if it be possible.

EPICTETUS