Marcus Aurelius

How ridiculous and unrealistic is the man who is astonished at anything that happens in life.

Love the little trade which thou hast learned, and be content therewith.

You exist but as a part inherent in a greater whole. Do not live as though you had a thousand years before you. The common due impends; while you live, and while you may, be good.

Be not careless in deeds, nor confused in words, nor rambling in thought.

Forward, as occasion offers. Never look round to see whether any shall note it. . . . Be satisfied with success in even the smallest matter, and think that even such a result is no trifle.

Whatever is in any way beautiful hath its source of beauty in itself, and is complete in itself; praise forms no part of it. So it is none the worse nor the better for being praised.

That which comes after ever conforms to that which has gone before.

How easy it is to repel and erase every impression which is troublesome or unwelcome, and immediately to be tranquil.

Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are, and to make new things like them.

Do every act of your life as if it were your last.