Quote collection
467 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"What really frightens and dismays us is not external events themselves, but the way in which we think about them. It is not things that disturb us, but our interpretation of their significance."
"Do not strive for things occurring to occur as you wish, but wish the things occurring as they occur, and you will flow well."
"Difficulty shows what men are. Therefore when a difficulty falls upon you, remember that God, like a trainer of wrestlers, has matched you with a rough young man. Why? So that you may become an Olympic conqueror; but it is not accomplished without sweat."
"Any one thing in the creation is sufficient to demonstrate a Providence to a humble and grateful mind."
"Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life."
"As in walking it is your great care not to run your foot upon a nail, or to tread awry, and strain your leg; so let it be in all the affairs of human life, not to hurt your mind or offend your judgment. And this rule, if observed carefully in all your deportment, will be a mighty security to you in your undertakings."
"Choose the life that is noblest, for custom can make it sweet to thee."
"Silence is safer than speech."
"From now on practice saying to everything that appears unpleasant: You are merely an appearance and NOT what you appear to be."
"When our friends are present we ought to treat them well; and when they are absent, to speak of them well."
"Getting distracted by trifles is the easiest thing in the world… Focus on your main duty"
"Contentment comes not so much from great wealth as from few wants."
"One of the best ways to elevate your character is to emulate worthy role models"
"Here is the beginning of philosophy: a recognition of the conflicts between men, a search for their cause, a condemnation of mere opinion .. . and the discovery of a standard of judgement."
"To be getting an education means this: to be learning what is your own, and what is not your own."
"Law intends indeed to do service to human life, but it is not able when men do not choose to accept her services; for it is only in those who are obedient to her that she displays her special virtue."
"Against specious appearances we must set clear convictions, bright and ready for use. When death appears as an evil, we ought immediately to remember that evils are things to be avoided, but death is inevitable."
"Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort."
"Men are not worried by things, but by their ideas about things. When we meet with difficulties, become anxious or troubled, let us not blame others, but rather ourselves. That is: our ideas about things."
"If any be unhappy, let him remember that he is unhappy by reason of himself alone. For God hath made all men to enjoy felicity and constancy of good."