It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinions than our own.
Marcus AureliusLook beneath the surface; let not the several quality of a thing nor its worth escape thee.
Marcus AureliusIf you are pained by external things, it is not they that disturb you, but your own judgement of them. And it is in your power to wipe out that judgement now.
Marcus AureliusDo not waste what remains of your life in speculating about your neighbors, unless with a view to some mutual benefit. To wonder what so-and-so is doing and why, or what he is saying, or thinking, or scheming -- in a word, anything that distracts you from fidelity to the ruler within you -- means a loss of opportunity for some other task.
Marcus Aurelius