Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it to be beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity.

As for others whose lives are not so ordered, he reminds himself constantly of the characters they exhibit daily and nightly at home and abroad, and of the sort of society they frequent; and the approval of such men, who do not even stand well in their own eyes, has no value for him.

Does the light of the lamp shine without losing its splendour until it is extinguished; and shall the truth which is in thee and justice and temperance be extinguished before thy death?

When pain is unbearable it destroys us; when it does not it is bearable.

Always bear this in mind, that very little indeed is necessary for living a happy life.

The stone that is thrown into the air is none the worse for falling down, and none the better for going up.

Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.