Fortune is an evil chain to the body, and vice to the soul.
Events do not just happen, but arrive by appointment.
We all carry the seeds of greatness within us, but we need an image as a point of focus in order that they may sprout.
What is it that every man seeks? To be secure, to be happy, to do what he pleases without restraint and without compulsion.
What is it to be a philosopher? Is it not to be prepared against events?
To a reasonable creature, that alone is insupportable which is unreasonable; but everything reasonable may be supported.