Let not your peace rest in the utterances of men, for whether they put a good or bad construction on your conduct does not make you other than you are.

If you desire to know or learn anything to your advantage, then take delight in being unknown and unregarded. A true understanding and humble estimate of oneself is the highest and most valuable of all lessons.

What difference does it make to you what someone else becomes, or says, or does? You do not need to answer for others, only for yourself.

If you wish to live in peace and harmony with others, you must learn to discipline yourself in many ways.

A sure way of retaining the grace of heaven is to disregard outward appearances, and diligently to cultivate such things as foster amendment of life and fervour of soul, rather than to cultivate those qualities that seem most popular.

Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength.... It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it completes many things, and warrants them to take effect, where he who does not love would faint and lie down.

If you bear the cross unwillingly, you make it a burden, and load yourself more heavily; but you must bear it.