"When you've done well and another had benefited by it, why like a fool do you look for a third thing on top - credit for the good deed or a favor in return?
~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.73
"To what service is my soul committed? Constantly ask yourself this an thoroughly examine yourself by seeing how you relate to that part called the ruling principle. Whose soul do I have now? Do I have that of a child, a youth . . . a tyrant, a pet, or a wild animal?"
~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.11
"As you move forward along the path of reason, people will stand in your way. They will never be able to keep you from doing what's sound, so don't let them knock out your goodwill for them. Keep a steady watch on both fronts, not only for well-based judgments and actions, but also for gentleness with those who would obstruct our path or create other difficulties. For getting angry is also a weakness, just as much as abandoning the task or surrendering under panic. For doing either is an equal desertion - the one by shrinking back and the other by estrangement from family and friend."
~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 11.9
"My reasoned choice is as indifferent to the reasoned choice of my neighbor, as to his breath or body. However much we've been made for cooperation, the ruling reason in each of us is master of its own affairs. If this weren't the case, the evil in someone else could become my harm, and God didn't mean for someone else to control my misfortune."
~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.56
"As Plato said, every soul is deprived of truth against its will. The same holds true for justice, self-control, goodwill to others, and every similar virtue. It's essential to constantly keep this in mind, for it will make you more gentle to all."
~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.63
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