What else can I do, a lame old man, but sing hymns to God? If I were a nightingale, I would do the nightingale's part; if I were a swan, I would do as a swan. But now I am a rational creature, and I ought to praise God. This is my work. I do it, nor will I desert my post, so long as I am allowed to keep it. And I ask you to join me in this same song.

When you actively engage in gradually refining yourself, you retreat from your lazy ways of covering yourself or making excuses. Instead of feeling a persistent current of low-level shame, you move forward by using the creative possibilities of this moment, your current situation.

What is death? A scary mask. Take it off-see, it doesn't bite.

Do not try to seem wise to others.

Whenever you are angry, be assured that it is not only a present evil, but that you have increased a habit.

The pleasure which we most rarely experience gives us greatest delight.

Any person capable of angering you becomes your master.