It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows.

Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly.

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.

It is not my place in society that makes me well off, but my judgements, and these I can carry with me... These alone are my own and cannot be taken away.

Consider first the nature of the business in hand; then examine thy own nature, whether thou hast strength to undertake it.

If you would be good, first believe that you are bad.

To a longer and worse life, a shorter and better is by all means to be preferred.