I would rather be first in a little Iberian village than second in Rome.

He who says either that the time for philosophy has not yet come or that it has passed is like someone who says that the time for happiness has not yet come or that it has passed.

The wise man thinks of fame just enough to avoid being despised.

The honor paid to a wise man is a great good for those who honor him.

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

There is no such thing as justice in the abstract; it is merely a compact between men in their various relations with each other, in whatever circumstances they may be, that they will neither injure nor be injured.

He who has peace of mind disturbs neither himself nor another.