There is only one thing for which God has sent me into the world, and that is to develop every kind of virtue or strength, and there is nothing in all the world that I cannot use for this purpose.

Survey and test a prospective action before undertaking it. Before you proceed, step back and look at the big picture, lest you act rashly on raw impulse.

You ought to choose both physician and friend, not the most agreeable, but the most useful.

Exceed due measure, and the most delightful things become the least delightful.

And be silent for the most part, or else make only the most necessary remarks, and express these in few words. But rarely, and when occasion requires you to talk, talk, indeed, but about no ordinary topics. Do not talk about gladiators, or horseraces, or athletes, or things to eat or drink - topics that arise on all occasions; but above all, do not talk about people, either blaming, or praising, or comparing them.

What is learned without pleasure is forgotten without remorse.

If your heart is quite set upon a crown, make and put on one of roses, for it will make the prettier appearance.