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.

To make anything a habit, do it; to not make it a habit, do not do it; to unmake a habit, do something else in place of it.

Remember that you ought to behave in life as you would at a banquet. As something is being passed around it comes to you; stretch out your hand, take a portion of it politely. It passes on; do not detain it. Or it has not come to you yet; do not project your desire to meet it, but wait until it comes in front of you. So act toward children, so toward a wife, so toward office, so toward wealth.

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.

Who is not attracted by bright and pleasant children, to prattle, to creep, and to play with them?

Only the educated are free.

We do not choose our own parts in life, and have nothing to do with those parts. Our duty is confined to playing them well.