The whole contains nothing that is not for its advantage. By remembering that I am part of such a whole, I shall be content with everything that happens.

Unhappy am I because this has happened to me.- Not so, but happy am I, though this has happened to me, because I continue free from pain, neither crushed by the present nor fearing the future.

Be content with what you are, and wish not change; nor dread your last day, nor long for it.

Things can never touch the soul, but stand inert outside it, so that disquiet can arise only from fancies within.

Consider how many do not even know your name, and how many will soon forget it, and how those who now praise you will presently blame you.

Let every action aim solely at the common good.

When we consider we are bound to be serviceable to mankind, and bear with their faults, we shall perceive there is a common tie of nature and relation between us.