Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, VI, 20, Loeb Classical Library no. 58, p. 141, tr. Haines:
Suppose that a competitor in the ring has gashed us with his nails and butted us violently with his head, we do not protest or take it amiss or suspect our opponent in future of foul play. Still we do keep an eye on him, not indeed as an enemy, or from suspicion of him, but with good-humoured avoidance. Act much the same way in all the other parts of life. Let us make many allowances for our fellow-athletes as it were. Avoidance is always possible, as I have said, without suspicion or hatred.
This is indeed Sage Advice. Avoidance is always possible and sometimes necessary if one would live well. Marcus bids us avoid, if not our "fellow-athletes," then their rude antics. But I would add to the list certain thoughts, words, and deeds.
Thoughts that weaken, demean, or are otherwise useless are best avoided. For as Marcus says in another place (V, 16), "The character of thy mind will be such as is the character of thy frequent thoughts, for the soul takes its dye from the thoughts." Would close inquiry into the particulars of Anna Nicole Smith's ill-starred life improve me? Do I really need to know why David Carradine was found dead in Bangkok hanging from a rope?
Idle talk is another source of needless vexation. The teachable soon learn that the occasions are rife on which keeping one's mouth shut is the best policy.
The wise also avoid the vexation of unnecessary action. Having burdened yourself with boat, RV, jet ski and motorcycle, you are now both owner and owned, and you will expend your spirit in actions for the maintenance of these mere conveyances.