Marcus Aurelius - Meditations (180 AD)

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One whose chief regard is for his own mind, and for the divinity within him and the service of its goodness, will strike no poses, utter no complaints, and crave neither for solitude nor yet for a crowd. Best of all, his life will be free from continual pursuing and avoiding.

Marcus Aurelius
The only thing that isn't worthless: to live this life out truthfully and rightly, And be patience with those who don't.

Marcus Aurelius
Just as nature takes every obstacle, every impediment, and works around it--turns it to its purposes, incorporates it into itself, so, too, a rational being can turn each setback into raw material and use it to achieve its goal.

Marcus Aurelius
A good man does not spy around for the black spots in others, but presses unswervingly on towards his mark.

Marcus Aurelius
Reflect often upon the rapidity with which all existing things, or things coming into existence, sweep past us and are carried away.

Marcus Aurelius
Be satisfied with your business, and learn to love what you were bred to.

Marcus Aurelius
Cultivate these, then, for they are wholly within your power: sincerity and dignity; industriousness; and sobriety. Avoid grumbling, be frugal, considerate, and frank; be temperate in manner and speech; carry yourself with authority.

Marcus Aurelius
If it's time for you to go, leave willingly - as you would to accomplish anything that can be done with grace and honor.

Marcus Aurelius
The gods have provided me with clear and compelling signs of what it means to live in conformity to nature. They did their part. So far as their gifts, aid, and inspiration are concerned, nothing prevented me from following the path prescribed by nature. If from time to time I have strayed from this path, the fault lies with me and with my failure to heed the gods' signs, or rather, their explicit instructions.

Marcus Aurelius
Consider when thou art much vexed or grieved, that man's life is only a moment, and after a short time we are all laid out dead.

Marcus Aurelius
Not even the vicissitudes of fortune are contrary to nature or to the providential ordering of the universe. It all flows from the gods, who determine what is needed for the welfare of the whole universe, of which you are a part.

Marcus Aurelius