Epictetus
“When you are going to undertake some action, remind yourself of what the action is like.”
“Don’t let the force of an impression carry you away; say, “Wait for me a little, impression.””
“If you would improve, be content to be thought ignorant in matters of no consequence.”
“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.”
“No person is free who is not master of themselves.”
“Everything has two handles: one by which it may be borne, and one by which it may not.”
“It is impossible for a person to begin to learn what he thinks he already knows.”
“Difficulties show a person’s character.”
“Seek not that events should happen as you will, but will them to happen as they do, and you shall have peace.”
“If you kiss your child, or your wife, say that you only kiss a mortal thing.”
“First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.”
“Who then is invincible? He whom nothing that is not his own can disturb.”
“On every occasion turn to yourself and ask what power you have for making a proper use of it.”
“When you are dazzled by an appearance, guard yourself so you are not carried away by it.”
“Keep death and exile before your eyes every day; by doing so you will never harbor a base thought.”
“If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not defend yourself, but say: “He was ignorant of my other faults.””
“When someone does you wrong, consider that he acts according to his opinion of what is right.”
“Never say of anything, “I have lost it,” but “I have returned it.””
“If you want to be a writer, write.”
“Remember that you are an actor in a drama of such sort as the author chooses; if short, then a short one; if long, a long one.”