The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.

How ridiculous not to flee from one's own wickedness, which is possible, yet endeavor to flee from another's which is not.

Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.

To live happily is an inward power of the soul.

People find pressure in different ways. I find it in keeping my mind clear. In not turning away from people or the things that happen to them. In accepting and welcoming everything I see. In treating each thing as it deserves.

One of the recurring themes in Marcus' handbook is leadership's responsibility to work intelligently with what it is given and not waste time fantasizing about a world of flawless people and perfect choices.

Life is a warfare and a stranger's sojourn, and after fame is oblivion.