The soul's impurity consists in bad judgements, and purification consists in producing in it right judgements, and the pure soul is one which has right judgements, for this alone is proof against confusion and pollution in its functions.

Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.

Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire.

Nothing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig.

A ship should not be held by a single anchor; neither should life depend upon a single hope.

Give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions and determine to pay the price of a worthy goal. The trials you encounter will introduce you to your strengths.

What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows.