The appearance of things to the mind is the standard of every action to man.

We do not choose our own parts in life, and have nothing to do with those parts. Our duty is confined to playing them well.

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.

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

What disturbs people's minds are not events but their judgments on events.

Do you know that disease and death must needs overtake us, no matter what we are doing?... what do you wish to be doing when it overtakes you?... If you have anything better to be doing when you are so overtaken, get to work on that.

Do not laugh much or often or unrestrainedly.