For our discussion is on no trifling matter, but on the right way to conduct our lives.

In order to seek one's own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of ordinary, everyday life.

I can show you that the art of calculation has to do with odd and even numbers in their numerical relations to themselves and to each other.

For neither birth, nor wealth, nor honors, can awaken in the minds of men the principles which should guide those who from their youth aspire to an honorable and excellent life, as Love awakens them

To prefer evil to good is not in human nature; and when a man is compelled to choose one of two evils, no one will choose the greater when he might have the less.

Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind.

In particular I may mention Sophocles the poet, who was once asked in my presence, How do you feel about love, Sophocles? are you still capable of it? to which he replied, Hush! if you please: to my great delight I have escaped from it, and feel as if I had escaped from a frantic and savage master. I thought then, as I do now, that he spoke wisely. For unquestionably old age brings us profound repose and freedom from this and other passions.