It doesn't take much to lose everything, just a little departure from reason

Who are those people by whom you wish to be admired? Are they not these whom you are in the habit of saying that they are mad? What then? Do you wish to be admired by the mad?

Each man's life is a kind of campaign, and a long and complicated one at that. You have to maintain the character of a soldier, and do each separate act at the bidding of the General.

No man is able to make progress when he is wavering between opposite things.

Our duties naturally emerge form such fundamental relations as our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, our state or nation. Make it your regular habit to consider your roles-parent, child, neighbor, citizen, leader-and the natural duties that arise from them. Once you know who you are and to whom you are linked, you will know what to do.

The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.

Freedom is secured not by the fulfillment of one's desires, but by the removal of desire.