If any man despises me, that is his problem. My only concern is not doing or saying anything deserving of contempt.

Know the joy of life by piling good deed on good deed until no rift or cranny appears between them.

The constant recollection of death is the test of human conduct.

When you need encouragement, think of the qualities the people around you have: this one's energy, that one's modesty, another's generosity, and so on. Nothing is as encouraging as when virtues are visibly embodied in the people around us, when we're practically showered with them. It's good to keep this in mind.

Consider when thou art much vexed or grieved, that man's life is only a moment, and after a short time we are all laid out dead.

Practice really hearing what people say. Do your best to get inside their mind.

The secret of all victory lies in the organization of the non-obvious.