Smile back

Death smiles at us all. All a man can do is smile back.

~ “Marcus Aurelius

Note: This was not written by Marcus Aurelius, but rather said by the character in the movie Gladiator. The closest thing which Aurelius did say, is in Meditations: “Accept death in a cheerful spirit, as nothing but the dissolution of the elements from which each living thing is composed.” at 2.17, and “So make your exit with grace — the same grace shown to you.” as the final line of 12.36.

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Talk about ideas

Great people talk about ideas.
Average people talk about things.
Small people talk about other people.

…and then, sadly, there are the people who love to talk about themselves.

~ unknown

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Reckon the worth of each day

The largest portion of life passes while we are doing ill, a good share while we are doing nothing, and the whole while we are doing that which is not to the purpose. What man can you show me who places any value on his time, who reckons the worth of each day, who understands that he is dying daily? For we are mistaken when we look forward to death; The major portion of death is already passed. Whatever years be behind us are in death’s hands.

~ Seneca

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