For while we are enclosed in these confinements of the body, we perform as a kind of duty the heavy task of necessity; for the soul from heaven has been cast down from its dwelling on high and sunk, as it were, into the earth, a place just the opposite to godlike nature and eternity. But I believe that the immortal gods have sown souls in human bodies so there might exist beings to guard the world and after contemplating the order of heaven, might imitate it by their moderation and steadfastness in life.

Always the same thing.

He only employs his passion who can make no use of his reason.

A perverse temper and fretful disposition will make any state of life whatsoever unhappy.

Not to have knowledge of what happened before you were born is to be condemned to live as a child.

Lay down this rule of friendship: neither ask nor consent to do what is wrong. The plea, 'for friendship's sake,' is a discreditable one, and should not be admitted for a moment. We should ask from friends and do for friends only what is good.

The thirst of desire is never filled, nor fully satisfied.