"Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly."

"No man is free who is not master of himself."

"The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forebearing."

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do."

"What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows."

"If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase."

"Pain is a very precious gift. Do not waste it."

"For 'tis a truth well known to most, That whatsoever thing is lost, We seek it, ere it comes to light, In every cranny but the right."

"When you have eliminated the impossible, that which remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea."

"He who promises more than he is able to perform, is false to himself; and he who does not perform what he has promised, is a traitor to his friend."

"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."