Marcus Aurelius: “For it is one of the acts of life, this act by which we die; it is sufficient then in this act also to do well what we…”

Be cheerful also, and seek not external help nor the tranquillity which others give.

Thou must turn to profit the present by the aid of reason and justice.

Throw away thy books; no longer distract thyself: it is not allowed; but as if thou wast now dying, despise the flesh; it is blood and bones and network, a contexture of nerves, veins, and arteries.

If then there is an invincible necessity, why dost thou resist?