One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent.

To get or not to get what we desire can be equally disappointing.

Imagine for yourself a character, a model personality, whose example you determine to follow, in private as well as in public.

Nothing outside the will can hinder or harm the will; it can only harm itself. If then we accept this, and, when things go amiss, are inclined to blame ourselves, remembering that judgment alone can disturb our peace and constancy, I swear to you by all the gods that we have made progress.

When we name things correctly, we comprehend them correctly, without adding information or judgements that aren't there. Does someone bathe quickly? Don't say be bathes poorly, but quickly. Name the situation as it is, don't filter it through your judgments. Give your assent only to that which is actually true.

What disturbs people, these are not things, but the judgments relating to things

Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant.