Marcus Aurelius: “First, do nothing inconsiderately, nor without a purpose.”

There was in him nothing harsh, nor implacable, nor violent, nor, as one may say, anything carried to the sweating point; but he examined all things severally, as if he had abundance of time, and without confusion, in an orderly way…

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

In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present,--I am rising to the work of a human being.

As thou intendest to live when them art gone out, ... so it is in thy power to live here.