The materials are indifferent, but the use we make of them is not a matter of indifference.

The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing.

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

We must ever bear in mind --that apart from the will there is nothing good or bad, and that we must not try to anticipate or to direct events, but merely to accept them with intelligence.

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.

Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours.

I have to die. If it is now, well then I die now; if later, then now I will take my lunch, since the hour for lunch has arrived - and dying I will tend to later.