It were well to die if there be gods, and sad to live if there be none.

Be cheerful, also, and seek not external help, nor the peace which others give. A man must stand straight, and not be kept straight by others.

Don't go on discussing what a good person should be. Just be one.

My city and state are Rome. But as a human being? The world. So for me, "good" can only mean what's good for both communities.

Leave the wrong done by another where the wrong arose.

If unwilling to rise in the morning, say to thyself, 'I awake to do the work of a man.'

Every moment think steadily as a Roman and a man to do what thou hast in hand with perfect and simple dignity, and feeling of affection, and freedom, and justice; and to give thyself relief from all other thoughts. And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last, laying aside all carelessness and passionate aversion from the commands of reason, and all hypocrisy, and self-love, and discontent with the portion which has been given to thee.