Marcus Aurelius: “Examine men's ruling principles, even those of the wise, what kind of things they avoid, and what kind they pursue.”

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

And the things which conduce in any way to the commodity of life, and of which fortune gives an abundant supply, he used without arrogance and without excusing himself; so that when he had them, he enjoyed them without affectation, and…

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.

Always run to the short way; and the short way is the natural: accordingly say and do everything in conformity with the soundest reason.