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Religion is man's relationship with ultimate reality. Religion is a system of beliefs, practices, and moral codes that connect humans to spirituality and the divine. It often involves the worship of a higher power or deity, adherence to sacred texts, and participation in rituals and ceremonies. Religions provide frameworks for understanding the nature of existence, the universe, and humanity's place within it. They frequently offer ethical guidelines on how to live, interact with others, and relate to the world. |
These "top 22" religions, ranked by the number of adherents, illustrate the diverse beliefs, practices, and holy texts that guide the spiritual lives of people around the world. Each scripture excerpt provides a glimpse into the core values and teachings of these religious traditions.
1. Christianity
Number of Believers: Approximately 2.4 billion
General Location: Worldwide, especially in the Americas, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Oceania
Holy Books: Bible (Old Testament, New Testament), Apocrypha, Didache, Book of Common Prayer
Example Scriptures:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." - Psalm 23:1
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." - Genesis 1:1
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." - Luke 6:31
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." - Luke 6:27
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." - Matthew 5:9
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." - 1 John 4:16
2. Islam
Number of Believers: Approximately 1.9 billion
General Location: Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia
Holy Books: Quran, Hadith, Tafsir, Sahih al-Bukhari
Example Scriptures:
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful." - Al-Fatiha 1:1
"Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." - Quran 13:11
"Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One.'" - Quran 112:1
"Seek help through patience and prayer." - Quran 2:153
"The best among you are those who have the best manners and character." - Hadith (Sahih Bukhari)
"Whoever saves one life, it is as if he saved all of mankind." - Quran 5:32
"Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just." - Quran 5:8
"Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good." - Quran 16:128
"And He found you lost and guided [you]." - Quran 93:7
"Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward." - Quran 64:15
3. Hinduism
Number of Believers: Approximately 1.2 billion
General Location: India, Nepal, Mauritius, Bali (Indonesia)
Holy Books: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana
Example Scriptures:
"Truth is one; sages call it by various names." - Rigveda 1.164.46
"When righteousness declines, and unrighteousness increases, I manifest myself on earth." - Bhagavad Gita 4.7
"The soul is neither born, and nor does it die." - Bhagavad Gita 2.20
"From the unreal lead me to the real; from darkness lead me to light; from death lead me to immortality." - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28
"He who sees all beings in his own self, and his own self in all beings, loses all fear." - Isha Upanishad 1.6
"Perform your duty without attachment, for action without attachment brings freedom." - Bhagavad Gita 3.19
"Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good." - Bhagavad Gita 2.47
"The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it." - Bhagavad Gita 6.6
"Even a little of this knowledge protects one from the greatest fear." - Bhagavad Gita 2.40
"Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is." - Bhagavad Gita 17.3
4. Buddhism
Number of Believers: Approximately 520 million
General Location: East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia
Holy Books: Tripitaka (Pali Canon), Mahayana Sutras, Tibetan Book of the Dead, Dhammapada
Example Scriptures:
"All conditioned things are impermanent—when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering." - Dhammapada 277
"Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule." - Dhammapada 5
"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship." - Dhammapada 204
"The mind is everything. What you think, you become." - Buddha (Dhammapada 1)
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." - Buddha (Sutras)
"Just as a solid rock is not shaken by the storm, even so the wise are not affected by praise or blame." - Dhammapada 81
"May all beings be happy; may all beings be without disease." - Karaniya Metta Sutta
"In whom there is no sympathy for living beings: know him as an outcast." - Buddha (Sutta Nipata)
"Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace." - Dhammapada 100
"Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others." - Buddha (Sutta Nipata)
5. Sikhism
Number of Believers: Approximately 30 million
General Location: Punjab (India), diaspora in Canada, UK, USA
Holy Books: Guru Granth Sahib, Dasam Granth, Janamsakhis, Rehat Maryada
Example Scriptures:
"There is only one God. His name is Truth." - Japji Sahib, Guru Granth Sahib
"Where there is forgiveness, there is God Himself." - Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 412
"Those who have loved are the ones that have found God." - Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1256
"Recognize all of humankind as a single caste of humanity." - Guru Gobind Singh, Dasam Granth
"In the company of the holy, the darkness of the mind is dispelled." - Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1013
"Speak only that which will bring you honor." - Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 661
"He who has no faith in himself can never have faith in God." - Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib
"To be in the company of the holy is the true comfort." - Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 681
"Let no one take pride in their deeds; it is the Creator who acts through all." - Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1335
"The world is a drama, staged in a dream." - Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 1426
6. Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS)
Number of Believers: 16 million
General Location: Primarily in the United States, with significant populations in Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, Chile, and other countries across Latin America and Africa. The LDS Church headquarters is in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Holy Books:The Book of Mormon, The Bible KJV, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price
Example Scriptures:
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25:26, The Book of Mormon
"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth."
Job 19:25, The Bible (KJV)
"Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together." Doctrine and Covenants 1:1
"This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."
Moses 1:39, Pearl of Great Price
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble." Ether 12:27, The Book of Mormon
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20, The Bible (KJV)
"Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled." Doctrine and Covenants 1:37
"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." 2 Nephi 2:25, The Book of Mormon
"And now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion." Doctrine and Covenants 6:6
"For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Moses 1:39, Pearl of Great Price
7. Judaism
Number of Believers: Approximately 15 million
General Location: Israel, United States, France, Canada
Holy Books: Torah, Talmud, Tanakh, Midrash
Example Scriptures:
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." - Deuteronomy 6:4 (Torah)
"Love your neighbor as yourself." - Leviticus 19:18 (Torah)
"Justice, justice shall you pursue." - Deuteronomy 16:20 (Torah)
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 (Tanakh)
"Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you." - Talmud, Shabbat 31a
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1 (Tanakh)
"Keep my statutes and my judgments: if a man does, he shall live by them; I am the Lord." - Leviticus 18:5 (Torah)
"And you shall teach them diligently to your children." - Deuteronomy 6:7 (Torah)
"The study of Torah is equal to them all because it leads to them all." - Mishnah Peah 1:1 (Talmud)
"Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world." - Talmud, Sanhedrin 37a
8. Spiritism
Number of Believers: Approximately 15 million
General Location: Brazil, France, USA
Holy Books: The Spirits' Book, The Book on Mediums, The Gospel According to Spiritism, Heaven and Hell
Example Scriptures:
"Without charity, there is no salvation." - The Gospel According to Spiritism
"The true Spiritist is recognized by their moral transformation and the efforts they make to overcome their evil inclinations." - The Spirits' Book
"Spiritism is the most serious opponent of materialism." - The Book on Mediums
"The soul is independent of matter and preserves its individuality after death." - The Spirits' Book
"Love one another; this is the greatest commandment." - The Gospel According to Spiritism
"Those who sow in tears will reap in joy." - The Spirits' Book
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged." - The Gospel According to Spiritism
"Every effect has a cause, and every cause has an effect." - The Spirits' Book
"To be born, to die, to be reborn yet again, and to progress unceasingly, such is the law." - The Spirits' Book
"Faith is an intuitive sense of the existence of God, placed in the depths of the human heart." - The Spirits' Book
9. Taoism
Number of Believers: Approximately 12 million
General Location: China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia
Holy Books: Tao Te Ching, Zhuangzi, Daozang, Liezi
Example Scriptures:
"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name." - Tao Te Ching 1
"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom." - Tao Te Ching 33
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Tao Te Ching 64
"He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty." - Tao Te Ching 33
"The wise man does not lay up treasure. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own." - Tao Te Ching 81
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." - Tao Te Ching 73
"When there is no desire, all things are at peace." - Tao Te Ching 37
"The Tao is like a well: used but never used up." - Tao Te Ching 4
"The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid." - Tao Te Ching 78
"The sage does not display himself, therefore he shines." - Tao Te Ching 22
10. Shinshukyo (New Religions in Japan)
Number of Believers: Varies, collectively around 10 million
General Location: Japan, Brazil, USA
Holy Books: Varies by sect (e.g., Seicho-no-Ie, Risshō Kōsei Kai, Soka Gakkai)
Example Scriptures:
"Man is a child of God, and as such, is inherently good." - Seicho-no-Ie
"Rely on the Dharma, not on the person." - Risshō Kōsei Kai
"The wisdom to see the truth is within you." - Soka Gakkai
"Life is the most precious treasure." - Soka Gakkai
"Peace is not merely the absence of war; it is a virtue born of love." - Soka Gakkai
"True happiness comes from helping others find happiness." - Seicho-no-Ie
"The teachings of the Buddha are like a mirror, reflecting your true self." - Soka Gakkai
"The path to enlightenment lies in the heart of each individual." - Risshō Kōsei Kai
"Human beings are all interconnected, like the branches of a tree." - Seicho-no-Ie
"Compassion is the foundation of all religious practice." - Soka Gakkai
11. Bahá'í Faith
Number of Believers: Approximately 8 million
General Location: Global, with significant populations in India, Iran, USA, and Africa
Holy Books: Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Kitáb-i-Íqán, The Hidden Words, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
Example Scriptures:
"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth." - Bahá'u'lláh, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
"The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." - Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings
"Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value." - Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings
"Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself." - Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
"Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self." - Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings
"Consort with all men, O people of Bahá, in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship." - Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings
"The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice." - Bahá'u'lláh, The Hidden Words
"Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch." - Bahá'u'lláh, Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh
"Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity." - Bahá'u'lláh, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
"That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race." - Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings
12. Confucianism
Number of Believers: 6 million
General Location: : Primarily in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Holy Books:The Analects (Lunyu), The Book of Mencius (Mengzi), The Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong), The Great Learning (Daxue)
Example Scriptures:
“The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterward speaks according to his action.” The Analects, 2:13
“Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” The Analects, 12:2
“The way of the superior man is threefold: Virtuous, he is free from anxieties; wise, he is free from perplexities; bold, he is free from fear.” The Analects, 14:30
“To govern is to correct. If you set an example by being correct, who would dare to remain incorrect?” The Analects, 12:17
“A man of humanity is one who, in seeking to establish himself, finds a foothold for others and in wanting to succeed, helps others to succeed.” The Analects, 6:30
“Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.” The Analects, 2:15
“The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.” The Analects, 14:27
“When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.” The Analects, 4:17
“If one learns from others but does not think, one will be bewildered. If one thinks but does not learn from others, one will be imperiled.” The Analects, 2:15
“The superior man is distressed by his lack of ability, not by the failure of others to recognize him.” The Analects, 15:18
13. Cao Dai
Number of Believers: Approximately 4.4 million
General Location: Vietnam, diaspora in the USA, Australia
Holy Books: Pháp Chánh Truyền, Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển, Kinh Thiên Đạo Và Thế Đạo, Tân Luật
Example Scriptures:
"All religions are one." - Pháp Chánh Truyền
"Humanity is the child of the Supreme Being." - Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển
"Love others to make the world a better place." - Kinh Thiên Đạo Và Thế Đạo
"The spirit is the true self; the body is but a shell." - Pháp Chánh Truyền
"Live in harmony with all beings, for we are all connected." - Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển
"God is one, humanity is one, the religion is one." - Pháp Chánh Truyền
"To know oneself is to know the divine." - Kinh Thiên Đạo Và Thế Đạo
"Serve the world with love, and the world will serve you." - Thánh Ngôn Hiệp Tuyển
"Truth is the light that guides all souls." - Pháp Chánh Truyền
"Compassion is the path to enlightenment." - Kinh Thiên Đạo Và Thế Đạo
14. Jainism
Number of Believers: Approximately 4 million
General Location: India, diaspora in North America, Europe, East Africa
Holy Books: Agamas, Tattvartha Sutra, Kalpa Sūtra, Samayasāra
Example Scriptures:
"Non-violence is the highest religion." - Mahavira, Acharanga Sutra
"All living beings desire to live. Therefore, let no one cause any living being to suffer." - Mahavira, Acharanga Sutra
"One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water, and vegetation disregards his own existence, which is entwined with them." - Mahavira, Sutrakritanga Sutra
"A man is seated on top of a tree in the midst of a burning forest. He sees all living beings perish. But he does not realize that the same fate will soon overtake him also. That man is a fool." - Mahavira, Sutrakritanga Sutra
"In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self." - Lord Mahavira, Acharanga Sutra
"All beings hate pain, therefore one should not kill them. This is the quintessence of wisdom: not to kill anything." - Mahavira, Acaranga Sutra
"The greatest mistake of a soul is non-recognition of its real self and can only be corrected by recognizing itself." - Samayasāra
"Silence and self-control is non-violence." - Mahavira, Acharanga Sutra
"The wise man accepts that nothing in the world belongs to him." - Mahavira, Uttaradhyayana Sutra
"Fight with yourself, why fight with external foes? He, who conquers himself through himself, will obtain happiness." - Mahavira, Acaranga Sutra
15. Shinto
Number of Believers: Approximately 4 million
General Location: Japan
Holy Books: Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, Engishiki, Fudoki
Example Scriptures:
"The kami can bless or curse individuals, based on their conduct." - Kojiki
"Purity is the beginning of all things." - Nihon Shoki
"The way of the kami is to be followed faithfully." - Kojiki
"Great reverence should be paid to the spirits of our ancestors." - Nihon Shoki
"The spirit of the kami is present in all of nature." - Engishiki
"The divine is not separate from nature but is intertwined with it." - Fudoki
"All things are the body of kami." - Kojiki
"The kami have given us life; we must live it in harmony with them." - Nihon Shoki
"Let each day be lived in purity and sincerity, as a reflection of the divine." - Engishiki
"The world is the manifestation of the divine will." - Fudoki
16. Cheondoism (Chondoism)
Number of Believers: Approximately 3 million
General Location: North Korea, South Korea
Holy Books: Donghak Scripture, Yongdamjeongga, Sermons of Choe Je-u, Scripture of the Heavenly Way
Example Scriptures:
"Serve God and love people." - Donghak Scripture
"The heart is the root of all things." - Yongdamjeongga
"Humanity and Heaven are one." - Sermons of Choe Je-u
"Practice virtue to find peace within." - Donghak Scripture
"Reform society with the truth of Heaven." - Sermons of Choe Je-u
"Love is the fundamental principle that governs the universe." - Yongdamjeongga
"The human heart is the mirror of Heaven." - Donghak Scripture
"Seek harmony between Heaven and Earth in all that you do." - Scripture of the Heavenly Way
"The divine is present in every human being." - Yongdamjeongga
"True happiness comes from living in accordance with the will of Heaven." - Sermons of Choe Je-u
17. Tenrikyo
Number of Believers: Approximately 2 million
General Location: Japan, Brazil, USA
Holy Books: Ofudesaki, Mikagura-uta, Osashizu, Anecdotes of Oyasama
Example Scriptures:
"Through saving others, you will be saved." - Ofudesaki 3:47
"I created humans out of the desire to see you lead a joyous life." - Ofudesaki 4:52
"Whatever troubles may come, resolve to learn from them." - Mikagura-uta 9:5
"If you only believe this truth, it is the foundation of eternal happiness." - Ofudesaki 17:10
"The heart alone is the truth of things." - Osashizu January 12, 1887
"Let us help each other to become spirited and joyful in our hearts." - Ofudesaki 10:53
"All of you are brothers and sisters; there should be no quarreling among you." - Mikagura-uta 11:1
"Cleanse your heart, and you will see that this world is indeed paradise." - Ofudesaki 10:54
"The truth of the Parent is that the child is loved more than the parent itself." - Osashizu March 17, 1889
"Salvation comes through the sincerity of the heart." - Anecdotes of Oyasama
18. Yazidism
Number of Believers: Approximately 1 million
General Location: Iraq, Syria, Armenia, Germany
Holy Books: Kitêba Cilwe (Book of Revelation), Mishefa Reş (Black Book), Qewls (hymns), Maṣḥafa Rash
Example Scriptures:
"God created the world and appointed Tawusê Melek to govern it." - Kitêba Cilwe
"Serve God in humility and truth, and He will protect you." - Mishefa Reş
"Tawusê Melek is not a fallen angel but a being of light." - Qewls
"Do good, for it is the path of salvation." - Mishefa Reş
"The world is a test; be steadfast in your faith." - Kitêba Cilwe
"Light is the essence of God; through it, the world was created." - Qewls
"Respect and honor all of God's creation, for it is through them that He manifests His will." - Mishefa Reş
"Guard your thoughts, for they are the seeds of your actions." - Kitêba Cilwe
"Tawusê Melek is the guide and guardian of the faithful." - Qewls
"Strive for purity in thought, word, and deed." - Mishefa Reş
19. Rastafarianism
Number of Believers: Approximately 1 million
General Location: Jamaica, Ethiopia, USA, UK
Holy Books: Holy Piby, Kebra Nagast, The Promised Key, Bible (with Rastafarian interpretations)
Example Scriptures:
"Jah is my shepherd; I shall not want." - Holy Piby
"The Lion of Judah shall break every chain." - Kebra Nagast
"Look to Africa, where a black king shall be crowned." - The Promised Key
"Love is the healing of the nation." - Kebra Nagast
"Let righteousness cover the earth as the waters cover the sea." - Holy Piby
"Rastafari is the name of the Lord, and the King of Kings is His chosen." - The Promised Key
"Babylon shall fall, and Zion shall rise." - Kebra Nagast
"Jah Rastafari is the ever-living God, who shall bring salvation to the faithful." - Holy Piby
"The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jah." - Kebra Nagast
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, for he shall inherit Zion." - The Promised Key
20. Zunism
Number of Believers: Approximately 200,000
General Location: Afghanistan, Pakistan
Holy Books: (Oral tradition, not written) Zunbils, Zunist Hymns, Zunistic Prayers
Example Scriptures:
"The Sun is the eye of the sky."
"Honor the light that gives life to all beings."
"Offer prayers at dawn and dusk to the Sun."
"Live in harmony with nature, for it is the will of Zun."
"Let the light of the Sun guide your path."
"The Sun is the father of all creation."
"Respect the earth, for it is the Sun's gift to humanity."
"The warmth of the Sun brings life; its absence brings reflection."
"Give thanks for the Sun's light, for it sustains all life."
"Follow the Sun's path to understand the cycles of life."
21. Zoroastrianism
Number of Believers: Approximately 120,000
General Location: Iran, India (Parsis), diaspora in the USA, UK
Holy Books: Avesta, Yasna, Gathas, Bundahishn
Example Scriptures:
"Good thoughts, good words, good deeds." - Gathas
"Turn thyself not away from three best things: Good Thought, Good Word, and Good Deed." - Avesta
"Help the righteous man and oppose the evil-doer." - Yasna 43.1
"With Good Mind I work for my people." - Gathas
"Live in harmony, for we are all one." - Avesta
"He who sows goodness reaps the reward of goodness." - Yasna 51.22
"Keep your mind pure, O Zarathustra, by thinking good thoughts." - Gathas
"Purity is for man, next to life, the greatest good." - Avesta
"The evil spirit is deceitful and destroys the world by falsehood." - Gathas
"In the struggle between good and evil, the truth shall ultimately prevail." - Avesta
22. Stoicism
Number of Believers: No formal followers today, it has a broad influence esp. in West
General Location: Zeno of Citium in Athens, Greece ca 300 BC
Holy Books: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Letters to Lucilius by Seneca, Discourses by Epictetus, Enchiridion (or Handbook) by Epictetu
Example Scriptures:
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Meditations, Marcus Aurelius
“It is not the things themselves that disturb people, but their judgments about these things.” – Enchiridion, Epictetus
“If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it.” – Meditations, Marcus Aurelius
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” – Letters to Lucilius, Seneca
“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” – Letters to Lucilius, Seneca
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” – Enchiridion, Epictetus
“To live a good life: We have the potential for it. If we learn to be indifferent to what makes no difference.” – Meditations, Marcus Aurelius
“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” – Discourses, Epictetus
“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” – Letters to Lucilius, Seneca
“No man is free who is not master of himself.” – Discourses, Epictetus