Vain is the word of a philosopher which does not heal any suffering of man. For just as there is no profit in medicine if it does not expel the diseases of the body, so there is no profit in philosophy either, if it does not expel the suffering of the mind.

Never say that I have taken it, only that I have given it back.

A strict belief in fate is the worst of slavery, imposing upon our necks an everlasting lord and tyrant, whom we are to stand in awe of night and day.

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

When we say that pleasure is the end, we do not mean the pleasure of the profligate or that which depends on physical enjoyment--as some think who do not understand our teachings, disagree with them, or give them an evil interpretation--but by pleasure we mean the state wherein the body is free from pain and the mind from anxiety.

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

The things you really need are few and easy to come by; but the things you can imagine you need are infinite, and you will never be satisfied.