What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows.

No great thing is created suddenly.

It is wicked to withdraw from being useful to the needy, and cowardly to give way to the worthless.

We must be afraid of neither poverty nor exile nor imprisonment; of fear itself only should we be afraid.

God has entrusted me with myself. No man is free who is not master of himself. A man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things. The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going.

Events do not just happen, but arrive by appointment.

When you have decided that a thing ought to be done and are doing it, never avoid bein seen doing it, though many shall form an unfavorable opinion about it. For if it is not right to do it, avoid doing the thing; but if it is right, why are you afraid of those who shall find fault wrongly?