It is in thy power to live free from all compulsion in the greatest tranquillity of mind, even if all the world cry out against thee as much as they choose, and even if wild beasts tear in pieces the members of this kneaded matter which has grown around thee.
Sayest thou unto that rational part, Thou art dead; corruption hath taken hold on thee? Doth it then also void excrements? Doth it like either oxen, or sheep, graze or feed; that it also should be mortal, as well as the body?
He often acts unjustly who does not do a certain thing; not only who does a certain thing.
If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you, but your own judgment about it. And it is in your power to wipe out this judgment now.
Do not dream of possession of what you do not have: rather reflect on the greatest blessings in what you do have, and on their account remind yourself how much they would have been missed if they were not there.
Look within; within is the fountain of all good. Such a fountain, where springing waters can never fail, so thou dig still deeper and deeper.
The mind in itself has no needs, except for those it creates itself. Is undisturbed, except for its own disturbances. Knows no obstructions, except those from within.
This is the chief thing: be not perturbed, for all things are according to the nature of the Universal; and in a little time you will be nobody and nowhere...
Let it not be in any man’s power, to say truly of thee, that thou art not truly simple, or sincere and open, or not good. Let him be deceived whosoever he be that shall have any such opinion of thee. For all this doth depend of thee. For who is it that should hinder thee from being either truly simple or good? Do thou only resolve rather not to live, than not to be such.
26. If someone asked you how to write your name, would you clench your teeth and spit out the letters one by one? If he lost his temper, would you lose yours as well? Or would you just spell out the individual letters? Remember – your responsibilities can be broken down into individual parts as well. Concentrate on those, and finish the job methodically – without getting stirred up or meeting anger with anger.
The mind, unconquered by violent passions, is a citadel, for a man has no fortress more impregnable in which to find refuge and remain safe forever.
We’re all human beings. Why hate anyone, flatter anyone, lord over anyone, or bow before anyone?
For whatsoever it be, it is in thy power either to do it, or to say it, and therefore seek not any pretences, as though thou wert hindered.
While you live – while you can – be a good man.
Speak what you really think, not what you think people want to hear.
Shall I do it? I will; so the end of my action be to do good unto men. Doth anything by way of cross or adversity happen unto me? I accept it, with reference unto the Gods, and their providence; the fountain of all things, from which whatsoever comes to pass, doth hang and depend.
Both rate men’s praise or blame at their real worthlessness; ‘Let not thy peace,’ says the Christian, ‘be in the mouths of men.’ But it is to God’s censure the Christian appeals, the Roman to his own soul.
Don’t stray, but do what’s right whenever you’re moved to act, and stick with what’s clear and certain whenever you think.
You can’t set down rules for others until you have first followed them yourself.
In a wicked generation, might makes right, violence is praised, and virtue is slandered.” – Hesiod, Works and Days.