It is not the weight of the future or the past that is pressing upon you, but ever that of the present alone. Even this burden, too, can be lessened if you confine it strictly to its own limits.
Marcus AureliusRetire into thyself. The rational principle which rules has this nature, that it is content with itself when it does what is just, and so secures tranquility.
Marcus AureliusIf unwilling to rise in the morning, say to thyself, 'I awake to do the work of a man.'
Marcus AureliusEverything that happens either happens in such a way as you are formed by nature to bear it, or as you are not formed by nature to bear it.
Marcus AureliusDoctors keep their scalpels and other instruments handy, for emergencies. Keep your philosophy ready too - ready to understand heaven and earth. In everything you do, even the smallest thing, remember the chain that links them. Nothing earthly succeeds by ignoring heaven, nothing heavenly by ignoring earth.
Marcus Aurelius