Just keep in mind: the more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.

The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious of the rose.

Paying attention to simple little things that most men neglect makes a few men rich.

Revenge-seeking minds destroy states, while those seeking reconciliation build nations.

As a rule, we find what we look for; we achieve what we get ready for.

Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the now the primary focus of your life.

Words are a lens to focus one's mind.

Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours.

In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.

You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, buy you will never imprison my mind.

Esteem to your higher self.

The individual is not accountable to society for his actions, insofar as these concern the interests of no person but himself.

No man is born unto himself alone; who lives unto himself, he lives to none.

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self.

There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.

Most people are on the world, not in it—have no conscious sympathy or relationship to anything about them—undiffused, separate, and rigidly alone like marbles of polished stone, touching but separate.

If you compromise your own conscience, you will weaken your conscience. Soon your conscience will fail to guide you and you never will have real wealth based on peace of mind.

I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.

Now if I carry out this oath, and break it not, may I gain forever reputation among all men for my life and for my art; but if I transgress it and forswear myself, may the opposite befall me.

To live is in itself a value judgment. To breathe is to judge.