Nothing is in reality either pleasant or unpleasant by nature but all things become so through habit

Neither the victories of the Olympic Games nor those achieved in battles make the man happy. The only victories that make him happy are those achieved against himself. Temptations and tests are combats. You have beaten one, two, many times; still fight. If you defeat at last you will be happy your entire life, as if you have always defeated.

At this time is freedom anything but the right to live as we wish? Nothing else.

Never in any case say I have lost such a thing, but I have returned it. Is your child dead? It is a return. Is your wife dead? It is a return. Are you deprived of your estate? Is not this also a return?

It's so simple really: If you say you're going to do something, do it. If you start something, finish it.

Happiness is an equivalent for all troublesome things.

To live a life of virtue, you have to become consistent, even when it isn't convenient, comfortable, or easy.