Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly.

Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.

Against specious appearances we must set clear convictions, bright and ready for use. When death appears as an evil, we ought immediately to remember that evils are things to be avoided, but death is inevitable.

Contentment, as it is a short road and pleasant, has great delight and little trouble.

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.

And be silent for the most part, or else make only the most necessary remarks, and express these in few words. But rarely, and when occasion requires you to talk, talk, indeed, but about no ordinary topics. Do not talk about gladiators, or horseraces, or athletes, or things to eat or drink - topics that arise on all occasions; but above all, do not talk about people, either blaming, or praising, or comparing them.

Whoever does not regard what he has as most ample wealth, is unhappy, though he be master of the world.