It is not things in themselves which trouble us, but our opinions of things.

If you wish to write, write.

Does a man reproach thee for being proud or ill-natured, envious or conceited, ignorant or detracting? Consider with thyself whether his reproaches are true. If they are not, consider that thou art not the person whom he reproaches, but that he reviles an imaginary being, and perhaps loves what thou really art, though he hates what thou appearest to be.

What concerns me is not the way things are, but rather the way people think things are.

To adorn our characters by the charm of an amiable nature shows at once a lover of beauty and a lover of man.

Ask yourself: Does this appearance (of events) concern the things that are within my own control or those that are not? If it concerns anything outside your control, train yourself not to worry about it.

Reason is not measured by size or height, but by principle.