One is not born wise; one becomes it.

We try to fix the outside so much, but our control of the outer world is limited, temporary, and often, illusory.

According to the philosopher Andre Comte-Sponville: The wise man has nothing left to expect or to hope for. Because he is entirely happy, he needs nothing. Because he needs nothing, he is entirely happy.

Few of us would regret the years it takes to complete an education or master a crucial skill. So why complain about the perseverance needed to become a well-balanaced and truly compassionate human being?

Meditation is not just blissing out under a mango tree. It completely changes your brain and therefore changes what you are.