Since it is possible that thou mayest depart from life this very moment, regulate every act and thought accordingly. But to go away from among men, if there are gods, is not a thing to be afraid of, for the gods will not involve thee in evil; but if indeed they do not exist, or if they have no concern about human affairs, what is it to me to live in a universe devoid of gods or devoid of Providence? But Gods there are, undoubtedly, and they regard human affairs; and have put it wholly in our power, that we should not fall into what is truly evil.

Does a man shrink from change? Why, what can come into being save by change?

Despise not death, but welcome it, for nature wills it like all else.

Take away the complaint, 'I have been harmed,' and the harm is taken away.

Remember this - that there is a proper dignity and proportion to be observed in the performance of every act of life.

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

Imagine you were now dead, or had not lived before his moment. Now view the rest of your life as a bonus.