Unremarkable lives are marked by the fear of not looking capable when trying something new.

It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulting.

If a person had delivered up your body to some passer-by, you would certainly be angry. And do you feel no shame in delivering up your own mind to any reviler, to be disconcerted and confounded?

When you close your doors, and make darkness within, remember never to say that you are alone, for you are not alone; nay, God is within, and your genius is within. And what need have they of light to see what you are doing?

If someone speaks badly of you, do not defend yourself against the accusations, but reply; "you obviously don't know about my other vices, otherwise you would have mentioned these as well

Some of their faults men readily admit, but others not so readily.

It is unlikely that the good of a snail should reside in its shell: so is it likely that the good of a man should?