So you wish to conquer in the Olympic Games, my friend? And I, too... But first mark the conditions and the consequences. You will have to put yourself under discipline; to eat by rule, to avoid cakes and sweetmeats; to take exercise at the appointed hour whether you like it or not, in cold and heat; to abstain from cold drinks and wine at your will. Then, in the conflict itself you are likely enough to dislocate your wrist or twist your ankle, to swallow a great deal of dust, to be severely thrashed, and after all of these things, to be defeated.

Have the wisdom to know what cannot be changed, and the strength to change what can.

You may be always victorious if you will never enter into any contest where the issue does not wholly depend upon yourself.

No man is free who is not master of himself.

If you wish to live a life free from sorrow, think of what is going to happen as if it had already happened.

It is not things in themselves which trouble us, but our opinions of things.

When you want to hear a philosopher, do not say, 'You say nothing to me'; only show yourself worthy or fit to hear, and then you will see how you will move the speaker.