In contemplating thyself never include the vessel which surrounds thee, and these instruments which are attached about it. For they are like an ax, d… - Marcus Aurelius

The span we live is small—small as the corner of the earth in which we live it. Small as even the greatest renown, passed from mouth to mouth by short-lived stick figures, ignorant alike of themselves and those long dead. (Hays translation)

The only thing that isn't worthless: to live this life out truthfully and rightly. And be patient with those who don't. (Hays translation)

Either all things proceed from one intelligent source and come together as in one body, and the part ought not to find fault with what is done for the benefit of the whole; or there are only atoms, and nothing else than a mixture and dispersion. Why, then, art thou disturbed? Say to this ruling faculty, Art thou dead, art thou corrupted, art thou playing the hypocrite, art thou become a beast, dost thou herd and feed with the rest?