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

Control thy passions lest they take vengence on thee.

It is better to advise than upbraid, for the one corrects the erring; the other only convicts them.

When you close your doors, and make darkness within, remember never to say that you are alone, for you are not alone; nay, God is within, and your genius is within. And what need have they of light to see what you are doing?

Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.

Whoever then wishes to be free, let him neither wish for anything nor avoid anything which depends on others: if he does not observe this rule, he must be a slave.

Desire and happiness cannot live together.