The nature of your thoughts shapes your character; your mind is colored by what you think about. So, fill your mind with thoughts that guide you toward virtue. For example, if a person can live anywhere, they can live well anywhere. If they desire a palace, they can live well in one, but it’s not the external surroundings that define how well we live—it’s how we live within them. Remember that everything has a purpose, and whatever its purpose is, it’s directed toward that end. For humans, our purpose is to live in society. As rational beings, we are made for interaction and connection with others, and society is where our true good lies. The superior things in life—things with life and reason—are meant to serve the higher purpose of this social life.
