Stoic Meditations

These good things which men gaze at in wonder, which they crowd to see, which one points out to another with speechless admiration, are outwardly brilliant, but within are miseries to those who possess them.

Nothing gets us into greater troubles than our subservience to common rumor, living not by reason but by imitation of others.

Seneca advises his brother, and us, not to listen to the random "shouts and clamors" of people, but to reflect carefully on what happiness is and how to achieve it.

We know that certain things are features of the world. Like the existence of annoying people. Do not wish them away, because that is impossible. Rather, teach them, or bear with them.

Do not expect Plato’s Republic: but be content if the smallest thing goes on well, and consider such an event to be no small matter.

In a word, if there is a god, all is well; and if chance rules, do not also be governed by it.

Other people's opinions are not under your control, so focus instead on your own judgments and decisions to act or not to act.

As you yourself are a component part of a social system, so let every act of yours be a component part of social life.

All things are changing: and you yourself are in continuous mutation and in a manner in continuous destruction, and the whole universe, too.

Things stand outside of us, themselves by themselves, neither knowing anything of themselves nor expressing any judgment.