Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort. |
Nothing is in reality either pleasant or unpleasant by nature; but all things become so through habit |
On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use |
One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent |
Only the educated are free. |
People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them. |
Practice yourself, for heaven's sake in little things, and then proceed to greater. |
Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a part as it may please the master to assign you, for a long time or for a little as he may choose. And if he will you to take the part of a poor man, or a cripple, or a ruler, or a private citizen, then may you act that part with grace! For to act well the part that is allotted to us, that indeed is ours to do, but to choose it is another s. |
Seek not good from without: seek it from within yourselves, or you will never find it |
Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life |
So you wish to conquer in the Olympic games, my friend? And I too, by the Gods, and a fine thing it would be! But first mark the conditions and the consequences, and then set to work. You will have to put yourself under discipline; to eat by rule, to avoid cakes and sweetmeats; to take exercise at the appointed hour whether you like it or no, in cold and heat; to abstain from cold drinks and from wine at your will; in a word, to give yourself over to the trainer as to a physician. Then in the conflict itself you are likely enough to dislocate your wrist or twist your ankle, to swallow a great deal of dust, or to be severely thrashed, and, after all these things, to be defeated. |
The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things. |
The good or ill of man lies within his own will |
The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests. |
The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best. |