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.

As for literature, thefts cannot harm it, while the lapse of ages augments its value

Receive the gifts of fortune without pride, and part with them without reluctance.

Once you have done a man a service, what more reward would you have? Is it not enough to have obeyed the laws of your own nature, without expecting to be paid for it?

Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live.

Every moment think steadily as a Roman and a man to do what thou hast in hand with perfect and simple dignity, and feeling of affection, and freedom, and justice; and to give thyself relief from all other thoughts. And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last, laying aside all carelessness and passionate aversion from the commands of reason, and all hypocrisy, and self-love, and discontent with the portion which has been given to thee.

Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.