Sickness is a hindrance to the body, but not to your ability to choose, unless that is your choice. Lameness is a hindrance to the leg, but not to your ability to choose. Say this to yourself with regard to everything that happens, then you will see such obstacles as hindrances to something else, but not to yourself.

It is better to advise than upbraid, for the one corrects the erring; the other only convicts them.

No living being is held by anything so strongly as its own needs.

Do not seek to bring things to pass in accordance with your wishes, but wish for them as they are, and you will find them.

Nothing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig.

It is the sign of a dull mind to dwell upon the cares of the body, to prolong exercise, eating and drinking and other bodily functions. These things are best done by the way; all your attention must be given to the mind.

It is the act of an ill-instructed man to blame others for his own bad condition; it is the act of one who has begun to be instructed, to lay the blame on himself; and of one whose instruction is completed, neither to blame another, nor himself.