You exist but as a part inherent in a greater whole. Do not live as though you had a thousand years before you. The common due impends; while you live, and while you may, be good.

Accept whatever comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny, for what could more aptly fit your needs?

Consider how many do not even know your name, and how many will soon forget it, and how those who now praise you will presently blame you.

If thou workest at that which is before thee ... expecting nothing, fearing nothing, but satisfied with thy present activity according to Nature, and with heroic truth in every word and sound which thou utterest, thou wilt live happy. And there is no man who is able to prevent this.

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.

A good man does not spy around for the black spots in others, but presses unswervingly on towards his mark.

Live not as though there were a thousand years ahead of you. Fate is at your elbow; make yourself good while life and power are still yours.