Do not expect Plato's ideal republic; be satisfied with even the smallest step forward, and consider this no small achievement.
Marcus AureliusThe first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.
Marcus AureliusThink 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.
Marcus Aurelius