Epictetus

Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when the dead have no longer need of them; but flatterers mar the soul of the living, and her eyes they blind.

Learn to distinguish what you can and can't control. Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, desires and the things that repel us. They are directly subject to our influence.

Men are disturbed not by the things that happen, but by their opinion of the things that happen.

Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control. Sickness may challenge your body. But are you merely your body? Lameness may impede your legs. But you are not merely your legs. Your will is bigger than your legs. Your will needn't be affected by an incident unless you let it.

The people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.

Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you.

It is impossible that happiness, and yearning for what is not present, should ever be united.

Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.

Living a good life leads to enduring happiness. Goodness in and of itself is the practice AND the reward.

No greater thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use.

It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.

Other people's views and troubles can be contagious. Don't sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.

In theory it is easy to convince an ignorant person; in actual life, men not only object to offer themselves to be convinced, but hate the man who has convinced them.

No matter where you find yourself, comport yourself as if you were a distinguished person.

If virtue promises happiness, prosperity and peace, then progress in virtue is progress in each of these for to whatever point the perfection of anything brings us, progress is always an approach toward it.

Avoid banquets which are given by strangers an ignorant persons. But if there is ever occasion to join them, let your attention be carefully fixed, that you slip not into the manner of the vulgar (the uninstructed).

Don't seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and all will be well with you.

Your master is he who controls that on which you have set your heart or wish to avoid.