Of all the means to insure happiness throughout the whole life, by far the most important is the acquisition of friends.

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

The pleasant life is not produced by continual drinking and dancing, nor sexual intercourse, nor rare dishes of sea food and other delicacies of a luxurious table. On the contrary, it is produced by sober reasoning which examines the motives for every choice and avoidance, driving away beliefs which are the source of mental disturbances.

It is possible to provide security against other ills, but as far as death is concerned, we men live in a city without walls.

A beneficent person is like a fountain watering the earth, and spreading fertility; it is, therefore, more delightful to give than to receive.

We must consider both the ultimate end and all clear sensory evidence, to which we refer our opinions; for otherwise everything will be full of uncertainty and confusion.

All friendship is desirable in itself, though it starts from the need of help