reflection will show that people are put off by nothing so much as what they think is unreasonable, and attracted to nothing more than what to them s… - Epictetus

In literature, too, it is not great achievement to memorize what you have read while not formulating an opinion of your own.

So, if you have not been invited to a party, it is because you haven’t paid the price of the invitation. It costs social engagement, conversation, encouragement, and praise. If you are not willing to pay this price, do not be upset when you don’t receive an invitation.

But the tyrant will chain …’ What? Your legs. ‘But he’ll cut off …’ What? Your head. What is he incapable, then, of chaining up or cutting off? Your power of choice.