Marcus Aurelius

It is not death that a man should fear, but never beginning to live.

Aptitude found in the understanding and is often inherited. Genius coming from reason and imagination, rarely.

Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.

A man's worth is no greater than his ambitions.

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.

The only wealth which you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.

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

What springs from earth dissolves to earth again, and heaven-born things fly to their native seat.

Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; but if anything is within the powers and province of man, believe that it is within your own compass also.

You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Confine yourself to the present.

To live happily is an inward power of the soul.