First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.

No greater thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.

Fight against yourself, recover yourself to decency, to modesty, to freedom. And, in the first place, condemn your actions; but when you have condemned them, do not despair of yourself. For both ruin and recovery are from within.

One of the best ways to elevate your character is to emulate worthy role models

It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death.

If a man is unhappy, remember that his unhappiness is his own fault, for God made all men to be happy.