First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
Enough of this wretched, whining monkey life. What’s the matter? Is any of this new? What is it you find surprising? The purpose? Look at it. The material? Look at that. That’s all there is. And the gods? Well, you could try being simpler, gentler. Even now. A hundred years or three…. No difference.
Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.
Restrict yourself to choice and refusal; and exercise them carefully, with discipline and detachment.
We should every night call ourselves to an account; What infirmity have I mastered today? What passions opposed? What temptation resisted? What virtue acquired? Our vices will abort of themselves if they be brought every day to the shrift.
Make it your goal never to fail in your desires or experience things you would rather avoid; try never to err in impulse and repulsion; aim to be perfect also in the practice of attention and withholding judgment.
All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.
In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present - I am rising to the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world? Or have I been made for this, to lie in the bed-clothes and keep myself warm?
If you would be a reader, read; if a writer, write.
If you choose, you are free; if you choose, you need blame no man—accuse no man. All things will be at once according to your mind and according to the Mind of God.