Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of it, for nothing is made worse or better by praise.

— Marcus Aurelius

A person's worth is measured by the worth of what he values.

— Marcus Aurelius

Aptitude found in the understanding and is often inherited. Genius coming from reason and imagination, rarely.

— Marcus Aurelius

As far as you can, get into the habit of asking yourself in relation to any action taken by another: "What is his point of reference here?" But begin with yourself: examine yourself first.

— Marcus Aurelius

As for thy thirst after books, away with it with all speed.

— Marcus Aurelius

Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; but if anything is within the powers and province of man, believe that it is within your own compass also.

— Marcus Aurelius

Begin - to begin is half the work, let half still remain; again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.

— Marcus Aurelius

Be like a rocky promontory against which the restless surf continually pounds; it stands fast while the churning sea is lulled to sleep at its feet. I hear you say, "How unlucky that this should happen to me!" Not at all! Say instead, "How lucky that I am not broken by what has happened and am not afraid of what is about to happen. The same blow might have struck anyone, but not many would have absorbed it without capitulation or complaint.

— Marcus Aurelius

Be your own master, and look at things as a man, as a human being, as a citizen, as a mortal creature.

— Marcus Aurelius

Consider how much more you often suffer from your anger and grief than from those very things for which you are angry and grieved.

— Marcus Aurelius