Without consulting us......................?

We are like actors in a play.  The divine will have assigned us our roles in life without consulting us.  Some of us will act in a short drama, others in a long one.  We might be assigned the part of a poor person, a cripple, a distinguished celebrity or public leader, or an ordinary citizen.
     Although we can't control which roles are assigned to us, it must be our business to act our given role as best as we possible can and to refrain from complaining about it.  Wherever you find yourself and in whatever circumstances, give an impeccable performance.
     If you are supposed to be a reader, read; if you are supposed to be a writer, write.

-attributed to Epictetus