All we have to do to make sure that the future controls us is "nothing"

Since our culture has made it more important to have acceptance than to have character, it’s no wonder that so little of the latter can be found.

Although we gain much through our kindness and charity, if we do these for gain, they are neither kindness nor charity but self-interest in disguise. Our gains should come as the wake of a boat, a result but not the purpose.

Don't use your yardstick to measure other people's happiness.