External things are not the problem. It's your assessment of them. Which you can erase right now.

Gluttony and drunkenness have two evils attendant on them; they make the carcass smart, as well as the pocket.

A great estate is a great disadvantage to those who do not know how to use it, for nothing is more common than to see wealthy persons live scandalously and miserably; riches do them no service in order to virtue and happiness; therefore 'tis precept and principle, not an estate, that makes a man good for something.

A little flesh, a little breath, and a Reason to rule all - that is myself.

Think of all the years passed by in which you said to yourself "I'll do it tomorrow," and how the gods have again and again granted you periods of grace of which you have not availed yourself. It is time to realize that you are a member of the Universe, that you are born of Nature itself, and to know that a limit has been set to your time. Use every moment wisely, to perceive your inner refulgence, or 'twill be gone and nevermore within your reach.

No matter what anyone says or does, my task is to be emerald, my color undiminished.

Be like the rocky headland on which the waves constantly break. It stands firm, and round it the seething waters are laid to rest.