I believe that man to be wretched whom none can please.

Be content to be what you are, and prefer nothing to it, and do not fear or wish for your last day.

If fame is to come only after death, I am in no hurry for it.

It is easy in adversity to despise death; he has real fortitude who dares to live and be wretched.

If pale beans bubble for you in a red earthenware pot, you can often decline the dinners of sumptuous hosts.

While you remain at home your hair is at the hairdresser's; you take out your teeth at night and sleep tucked away in a hundred cosmetics boxes - even your face does not sleep with you.

Every epigram should resemble a bee; it should have sting, honey, and brevity.