No form of nature is inferior to art; for the arts merely imitate natural forms. – Variant: There is no nature which is inferior to art, the arts imitate the nature of things.

I am called to man’s labour; why then do I make a difficulty if I am going out to do what I was born to do and what I was brought into the world for?

Take away the complaint, ‘I have been harmed,’ and the harm is taken away.

The man who doesn’t know what the universe is doesn’t know where he lives.

If it’s in your control, why do you do it? If it’s in someone else’s control, then who are you blaming? Atoms? The gods? Stupid either way. Blame no one. Set people straight, if you can. If not, just repair the damage.

When thou art above measure angry, bethink thee how momentary is man’s life.

Life is short. That’s all there is to say. Get what you can from the present – thoughtfully, justly.

From my grandfather’s father, I learned to dispense with attendance at public schools, and to enjoy good teachers at home, and to recognize that on such things money should be eagerly spent.

External things are not the problem. It’s your assessment of them. Which you can erase right now.

If it’s time for you to go, leave willingly – as you would to accomplish anything that can be done with grace and honor.