Circumstances don't make the man, they only reveal him to himself.

Don't seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and all will be well with you.

Things themselves don't hurt or hinder us. Things simply are what they are. How we view these things is another matter.People think what they will think; it is of no concern to us.

If you would cure anger, do not feed it. Say to yourself: 'I used to be angry every day; then every other day; now only every third or fourth day.' When you reach thirty days offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the gods.

Who is not attracted by bright and pleasant children, to prattle, to creep, and to play with them?

If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: 'He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned.'

If you see anybody wail and complain, call him a slave, though he be clad in purple.