“Composure is truly such when we are able to meet new situations and sudden upheavals with equanimity. This composure may be acquired in various ways, by mental training, by silence and meditation, or through the attainment of an artistic degree of self-expression in any form. It springs from self-knowledge and a philosophical faith. It grows within us through multiform experiences and courageous contact with sorrow and suffering. It is furthered by systematic study and work.”

“To assert the will without a centre of mental and spiritual reserve to draw upon is to sap life’s forces.”

Horatio W. Dresser, Ph.D. Harvard, A Message to the Well, 1910

“In those days the kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were sensible and five were foolish. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. But the sensible ones brought their lamps and oil in their flasks as well. Then, as the bridegroom was a very long time, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. But in the middle of the night there came a shout, ‘Wake up, here comes the bridegroom! Out you go to meet him!” Then up got the bridesmaids and attended to their lamps. The foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Please give us some of your oil—our lamps are going out!’ ‘Oh no,’ returned the sensible ones, ‘there might not be enough for all of us. Better go to the oil-shop and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they had gone off to buy the oil the bridegroom arrived, and those bridesmaids who were ready went in with him for the festivities and the door was shut behind them. Later on the rest of the bridesmaids came and said, ‘Oh, please, sir, open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘I tell you I don’t know you!’ So be on the alert—for you do not know the day or the time.”

 – Matthew 25: 1-13, New Testament,translated by J. B. Phillips