Stranger, here you will do well to tarry; here our highest good is pleasure.

He who understands the limits of life knows that it is easy to obtain that which removes the pain of want and makes the whole of life complete and perfect. Thus he has no longer any need of things which involve struggle.

A strong belief in fate is the worst kind of slavery; on the other hand, there is a comfort in the thought that God will be moved by our prayers.

As if they were our own handiwork we place a high value on our characters.

Why should I fear death? If I am, death is not. If death is, I am not. Why should I fear that which can only exist when I do not?

It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and honorably and justly, and it is impossible to live wisely and honorably and justly without living pleasantly. Whenever any one of these is lacking, when, for instance, the man is not able to live wisely, though he lives honorably and justly, it is impossible for him to live a pleasant life.

The mind that is much elevated and insolent with prosperity, and cast down with adversity, is generally abject and base.