For a wrongdoer to be undetected is difficult; and for him to have confidence that his concealment will continue is impossible.

The flesh believes that pleasure is limitless and that it requires unlimited time; but the mind, understanding the end and limit of the flesh and ridding itself of fears of the future, secures a complete life and has no longer any need for unlimited time.

Pleasure is the beginning and the end of living happily. Epicurus taught: Pleasure, defined as freedom from pain, is the highest good.

Against other things it is possible to obtain security, but when it comes to death we human beings all live in an unwalled city.

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.

Death is nothing to us, since when we are, death has not come, and when death has come, we are not.

Natural wealth is limited and easily obtained; the wealth defined by vain fancies is always beyond reach.