Marcus Aurelius

It is a ridiculous thing for a man not to fly from his own badness, which is indeed possible, but to fly from other men's badness, which is impossible.

No man is happy who does not think himself so.

What need of prompt or hint when it is open to yourself to discern what needs to be done - and, if you can see your way, to follow it with kind but undeviating intent. If you cannot see the way, hold back and consult your best advisors. if some other factors obstruct this advice, proceed on your present resources, but with cautious deliberations, keeping always to what seems just. Justice is the best aim, as any failure is in fact a failure of justice.A man following reason in all things combines relaxation with initiative, spark with composure.

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.

All things fade into the storied past, and in a little while are shrouded in oblivion.

III. I have often wondered how it should come to pass, that every man loving himself best, should more regard other men's opinions concerning himself than his own. For if any God or grave master standing by, should command any of us to think nothing by himself but what he should presently speak out; no man were able to endure it, though but for one day. Thus do we fear more what our neighbours will think of us, than what we ourselves.

For it is in your power to retire into yourself whenever you choose.

Even the least of our activities ought to have some end in view.

He is so rich, he has no room to shit.

God give me patience, to reconcile with what I am not able to changeGive me strength to change what I canAnd give me wisdom to distinguish one from another.

Life is neither good or evil, but only a place for good and evil.

If something is difficult for you to accomplish, do not then think it impossible for any human being; rather, if it is humanly possible and corresponds to human nature, know that it is attainable by you as well.

As for thy thirst after books, away with it with all speed.

The blazing fire makes flames and brightness out of everything thrown into it.

The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.

Everything that happens, happens as it should, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so.

No more roundabout discussions of what makes a good man. Be one!