One of the best ways to elevate your character is to emulate worthy role models

Learn to distinguish what you can and can't control. Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, desires and the things that repel us. They are directly subject to our influence.

No greater thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.

Getting distracted by trifles is the easiest thing in the world… Focus on your main duty

From now on practice saying to everything that appears unpleasant: You are merely an appearance and NOT what you appear to be.

It is unlikely that the good of a snail should reside in its shell: so is it likely that the good of a man should?

Against specious appearances we must set clear convictions, bright and ready for use. When death appears as an evil, we ought immediately to remember that evils are things to be avoided, but death is inevitable.