The finest lives in my opinion are the common model, without miracle and without extravagance.

The pleasure we hold in esteem for the course of our lives ought to have a greater share of our time dedicated to it; we should refuse no occasion nor omit any opportunity of drinking, and always have it in our minds.

There is no knowledge so hard to acquire as the knowledge of how to live this life well and naturally.

Friendship that possesses the whole soul, and there rules and sways with an absolute sovereignty, can admit of no rival.

Pythagoras used to say that life resembles the Olympic Games: a few people strain their muscles to carry off a prize; others bring trinkets to sell to the crowd for gain; and some there are, and not the worst, who seek no other profit than to look at the show and see how and why everything is done; spectators of the life of other people in order to judge and regulate their own.

He who would teach men to die would teach them to live.

Experience teaches that a strong memory is generally joined to a weak judgment.