We cannot be held to what is beyond our strength and means; for at times the accomplishment and execution may not be in our power, and indeed there is nothing really in our own power except the will: on this are necessarily based and founded all the principles that regulate the duty of man.

There is no more expensive thing than a free gift.

I had rather complain of ill-fortune than be ashamed of victory.

I turn my gaze inward. I fix it there and keep it busy. I look inside myself. I continually observe myself.

Few men have been admired of their familiars.

We must learn to suffer what we cannot evade.

Certainly, if he still has himself, a man of understanding has lost nothing.