To seek what is impossible is madness: and it is impossible that the bad should not do something of this kind.
 Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (c. 170 - 180). copy citation

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Author Marcus Aurelius
Source Meditations
Topic madness seeking
Date c. 170 - 180
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by George Long
Weblink https://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm

Context

“[A] Is it not plain that the inferior exists for the sake of the superior? But the things which have life are superior to those which have not life, and of those which have life the superior are those which have reason.
[A] ii. 1.
17. To seek what is impossible is madness: and it is impossible that the bad should not do something of this kind. 18. Nothing happens to any man which he is not formed by nature to bear. The same things happen to another, and either because he does not see that they have happened, or because he would show a great spirit, he is firm and remains unharmed.” source