Still, we must not think that the man who is to be happy will need many things or great things, merely because he cannot be blessed without external goods; for self sufficiency and action do not depend on excess, and we can do noble acts without ruling earth and sea; for even with moderate advantages one can act excellently (this is manifest enough; for private persons are thought to do worthy acts no less than despots indeed even more); and it is enough that we should have so much as that; for the life of the man who is active in accordance with excellence will be happy.