Kyle Hersma

“The despicable phoniness of people who say, “Listen, I’m going to level with you here.” What does that mean? It shouldn’t even need to be said. It should be obvious—written in block letters on your forehead. It should be audible in your voice, visible in your eyes, like a lover who looks into your face and takes in the whole story at a glance. A straightforward, honest person should be like someone who stinks: when you’re in the same room with him, you know it. But false straightforwardness is like a knife in the back. False friendship is the worst. Avoid it at all costs. If you’re honest and straightforward and mean well, it should show in your eyes. It should be unmistakable.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“And beyond this, Bonhoeffer believed that whatever one said one believed was not as important as living what one believed.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

“It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“How much more damage anger and grief do than the things that cause them.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations