"When you are about to say anything, first examine what you are going to say, and then speak."

"He who is not a good servant will not be a good master."

"If you have a mind to be a philosopher, prepare yourself from the first to be laughed at, to be sneered at by the multitude."

"If you have assumed a character beyond your strength, you have both played a poor figure in that, and neglected one that is within your powers."

"Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good."