To a reasonable creature, that alone is insupportable which is unreasonable; but everything reasonable may be supported.

It was the first and most striking characteristic of Socrates never to become heated in discourse, never to utter an injurious or insulting word -- on the contrary, he persistently bore insult from others and thus put an end to the fray.

In trying to please other people, we find ourselves misdirected toward what lies outside our sphere of influence. In doing so, we lose our hold on our lifes purpose.

Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.

Consider first the nature of the business in hand; then examine thy own nature, whether thou hast strength to undertake it.

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.

We do not choose our own parts in life, and have nothing to do with those parts. Our duty is confined to playing them well.