Above, below, all around are the movements of the elements. But the motion of virtue is in none of these: it is something more divine, and advancing by a way hardly observed it goes happily on its road.

Think not disdainfully of death, but look on it with favor; for even death is one of the things that Nature wills.

The world is mere change, and this life, opinion.

In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present - I am rising to the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world?

All that is harmony for you, my Universe, is in harmony with me as well. Nothing that comes at the right time for you is too early or too late for me. Everything is fruit to me that your seasons bring, Nature. All things come of you, have their being in you, and return to you.

A man should remove not only unnecessary acts, but also unnecessary thoughts, for then superfluous activity will not follow.

It is the act of a madman to pursue impossibilities .