It is difficulties that show what men are. For the future, in case of any difficulty, remember that God, like a gymnastic trainer, has pitted you against a rough antagonist. For what end? That you may be an Olympic conqueror; and this cannot be without toil.

Contentment comes not so much from great wealth as from few wants.

You ought to choose both physician and friend, not the most agreeable, but the most useful.

If someone speaks badly of you, do not defend yourself against the accusations, but reply; "you obviously don't know about my other vices, otherwise you would have mentioned these as well

You can be invincible, if you enter into no contest in which it is not in your power to conquer.

What matters most is what sort of person you are becoming. Wise individuals care only about whom they are today and who they can be tomorrow.

The cause of all human evils is the not being able to apply general principles to special cases.