There is no shame in making an honest effort.
The more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.
Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things:
It is unrealistc to expect people to see you as you see yourself.
Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems
Tell yourself what you want to be, then act your part accordingly.
Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinion about the things.
In literature, too, it is not great achievement to memorize what you have read while not formulating an opinion of your own.
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid with regard to external things. Don't wish to be thought to know anything; and even if you appear to be somebody important to others...
Nature has given to men one tongue but two ears that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.
Here is the beginning of philosophy: a recognition of the conflicts between men a search for their cause a condemnation of mere opinion .. . and the discovery of a standard of judgement.
First say to yourself what you would beand then do what you have to do.
We are at the mercy of whoever wields authority over the things we either desire or detest. If you would be free, then, do not wish to have, or avoid, things that other people control, because then yo...
Never praise or blame people on common grounds; look to their judgements exclusively. Because that is the determining factor, which makes everyone's actions either good or bad.
If you wish to be good, first believe that you are bad.
Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired but by controlling that desire.
Those proficient praise no one, blame no one, and accuse no one. They say nothing concerning their self as being anybody or knowing anything.
The philosopher's school, ye men, is a surgery: you ought not to go out of it with pleasure, but with pain. For you are not in sound health when you enter.
Is then the fruit of a fig-tree not perfect suddenly and in one hour, and would you possess the fruit of a man's mind in so short a time and so easily?
If they are wise, do not quarrel with them; if they are fools, ignore them.