Seneca
Seneca
best gives
Genius always gives its best at first; prudence, at last.
difficulty
It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It's because we dare not venture that they are difficult.
adversity affect brave courage external mind powerful pressure
The pressure of adversity does not affect the mind of the brave man. It is more powerful than external circumstances.
ancestry boast brag owe
Those who boast of their decent, brag on what they owe to others.
amuse anxious blessings content dependence either enjoy fears great happiness hopes mankind ourselves rest satisfied true wants whatever wise wishing within
True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The great blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.
actions firmness itself life mastery mind precept teaches wisdom words
Wisdom does not show itself so much in precept as in life -- in firmness of mind and a mastery of appetite. It teaches us to do as well as to talk; and to make our words and actions all of a color.
actions firmness itself life mastery mind precept teaches wisdom words
Wisdom does not show itself so much in precept as in life - in a firmness of mind and mastery of appetite. It teaches us to do as well as talk; and to make our actions and words all of a color.
human kindness opportunity wherever
Wherever there is a human being there is an opportunity for kindness
despair hope
Who can hope for nothing, should despair for nothing.
adversity struck troubles
Light troubles speak; the weighty are struck dumb.
bad
Even after a bad harvest there must be sowing.
youth
It is the failing of youth not to be able to restrain its own violence.
purpose
Why do I not seek some real good; one which I could feel, not one which I could display?
given
That which is given with pride and ostentation is rather an ambition than a bounty.