Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. Man's Search For Meaning

Human nature is so well disposed towards those who are in interesting situations, that a young person, who either marries or dies, is sure of being kindly spoken of. Emma

He who is a philosopher or lover of learning, and is entirely pure at departing, is alone permitted to reach the gods. And this is the reason, Simmias and Cebes, why the true votaries of philosophy abstain from all fleshly lusts, and endure and refuse to give themselves up to them—not because they fear poverty or ruin of their families, like the lovers of money, and the world in general; nor like the lovers of power and honor, because they dread the dishonor or disgrace of evil deeds. The Trials Of Socrates

"Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today” 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote To Chaos