Marcus Aurelius

Peter F. Drucker Seth Godin

Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it to be beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity.

Think of your many years of procrastination, how the gods have repeatedly granted you further periods of grace, of which you have taken no advantage.

That men of a certain type should behave as they do is inevitable. To wish it otherwise were to wish the fig-tree would not yield its juice. In any case, remember that in a very little while both you and he will be dead, and your very names will quickly be forgotten.

How ridiculous not to flee from ones own wickedness, which is possible, yet endeavor to flee from anothers, which is not.

If you can, correct the offender; if not, correct the offence; if that too is impossible, what is the point of recriminations?

Nothing is worth doing pointlessly.

Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be.

Be one.

You may break your heart, but men will still go on as before.