Marcus Aurelius: “If the things do not come to thee, the pursuits and avoidances of which disturb thee, still in a manner thou goest to…”

Besides this, he honored those who were true philosophers, and he did not reproach those who pretended to be philosophers, nor yet was he easily led by them.

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.

For every judgment and movement and desire and aversion is within, and no evil ascends so high.

He was also easy in conversation, and he made himself agreeable without any offensive affectation.