Marcus Aurelius

Whoever wrongs me shares the same intelligence, the same portion of divinity. No one can fix what is ugly on me. I cannot be harmed by my kin, and I cannot hate them.

Whenever you act, ask: how does this stand with me? Shall I regret it? In a little time I am dead, and all of it is gone.

What is truly beautiful needs nothing at all — no more than law, truth, benevolence, or modesty. Which of these is beautiful because it is praised? Is an emerald made worse if no one praises it?

Begin to pray for such things, and you will see. One man prays: how shall I be able to lie with that woman? Pray rather: how shall I cease to desire her?

Let the court and philosophy be step-mother and mother to you. Return to philosophy frequently and rest in her, through whom what you meet in the court appears tolerable.

Everywhere, up and down, you will find the same things — those that fill the old histories, the middle ages, and our own day. Nothing is new. All things are familiar and short-lived.

If you can, correct the cause; if you cannot, correct the thing itself; if you cannot do even this, of what use is it to find fault? Nothing should be done without a purpose.

Observe what your nature requires, in so far as you are governed by nature alone. Then do it, and accept it — provided you, as a living being, are not thereby made worse.

If people do rightly, we should not be displeased. If they do not, they do so involuntarily. Every soul is unwillingly deprived of truth and the power to behave justly.