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

Men, believing in myths, will always fear something terrible, everlasting punishment as certain or probable . . . Men base all these fears not on mature opinions, but on irrational fancies, that they are more disturbed by fear of the unknown than by facing facts. Peace of mind lies in being delivered from all these fears.

Pleasure is our first and kindred good. It is the starting point of every choice and of every aversion, and to it we always come back, inasmuch as we make feeling the rule by which to judge of every good thing.

The fool’s life is empty of gratitude and full of fears; its course lies wholly toward the future.

Misfortune seldom intrudes upon the wise man; his greatest and highest interests are directed by reason throughout the course of life.

Of all the gifts that wise Providence grants us to make life full and happy, friendship is the most beautiful.

Launch your boat, blessed youth, and flee at full speed from every form of culture.