Marcus Aurelius

He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.

Take full account of the excellencies which you possess, and in gratitude remember how you would hanker after them, if you had them not.

Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live.

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts, therefore guard accordingly; and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue, and reasonable nature.

The best way of avenging yourself is not to become like the wrongdoer.

How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.

Remember this-that there is a proper dignity and proportion to be observed in the performance of every act of life.

Vex not thy spirit at the course of things, They heed not thy vexation. How ludicrous and outlandish is astonishment At anything that may happen in life.

Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.

The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.