It is your own convictions which compels you; that is, choice compels choice.

Don't be concerned with other people's impressions of you. They are dazzled and deluded by appearances. Stick with your purpose. This alone will strengthen your will and give your life coherence.

Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.

Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, and desires and the demons that distract us from these goals. Outside of our control are such things as what kind of body we have, whether or not we are born into wealth, and how we are regarded by others.

It is wicked to withdraw from being useful to the needy, and cowardly to give way to the worthless.

If you would improve, submit to be considered wihout sense and foolish with respect to externals. Wish to be considered to know nothing; and if you shall seem to someone to be a person of importance, distrust yourself.

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.