In proportion as we endeavor to live according to the guidance of reason, shall we strive as much as possible to depend less on hope, to liberate ourselves from fear, to rule fortune, and to direct our actions by the sure counsels of reason.

I have resolved to demonstrate by a certain and undoubted course of argument, or to deduce from the very condition of human nature, not what is new and unheard of, but only such things as agree best with practice.

If anyone conceives, that an object of his love joins itself to another with closer bonds of friendship than he himself has attained to, he will be affected with hatred towards the loved object and with envy towards his rival.

If anyone conceives that he is loved by another, and believes that he has given no cause for such love, he will love that other in return.

When a man is prey to his emotions, he is not his own master.

Ceremonies are no aid to blessedness.

I do not presume that I have found the best philosophy, I know that I understand the true philosophy.