Happiness and freedom begin with
a clear understanding of one principle:
some things are within our control;
and some things are not.
(Epictetus, The Art of Living)

The best soldier is not soldierly.
The best fighter is not ferocious.
The best conqueror
does not take part in war.
The best employer
keeps himself below men.
(Lao Tse, Tao-Te Ching)

Great geniuses
have the shortest biographies.
(Ralph Emerson, Representative Men)

The loss of desires
conquers all sorrows.
(The Buddha, The Dhammapada)