For any particular thing, ask: What is it in itself? What is its nature?

Vex not thy spirit at the course of things, they heed not thy vexations

In man's life, time is but a moment; being, a flux; sense is dim; the material frame corruptible; soul, an eddy of breath; fortune a thing inscrutable, and fame precarious.

The wise man sees in the misfortune of others what he should avoid.

Consider in what condition both in body and soul a man should be when he is overtaken by death; and consider the shortness of life, the boundless abyss of time past and future, the feebleness of all matter.

Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.

People generally despise where they flatter, and cringe to those they would gladly overtop; so that truth and ceremony are two things.