Marcus Aurelius: “Remember that this which pulls the strings is the thing which is hidden within: this is the power of persuasion, this is…”

Labor not unwillingly, nor without regard to the common interest, nor without due consideration, nor with distraction; nor let studied ornament set off thy thoughts, and be not either a man of many words, or busy about too many things.

Further, I owe it to the gods that I was not hurried into any offence against any of them, though I had a disposition which, if opportunity had offered, might have led me to do something of this kind; but, through their favor, there never…

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

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