We ought not to treat living creatures like shoes or household belongings, which when worn with use we throw away.

Time which diminishes all things increases understanding for the aging.

The same intelligence is required to marshal an army in battle and to order a good dinner. The first must be as formidable as possible, the second as pleasant as possible, to the participants.

Poverty is not dishonorable in itself, but only when it comes from idleness, intemperance, extravagance, and folly.

Not by lamentations and mournful chants ought we to celebrate the funeral of a good man, but by hymns; for, ion ceasing to be numbered with mortals, he enters upon the heritage of a diviner life. Since he is gone where he feels no pain, let us not indulge in too much grief. The soul is incapable of death. And he, like a bird not long enough in his cage to become attached to it, is free to fly away to a purer air. . . . Since we cherish a trust like this, let our outward actions be in accord with it, and let us keep our hearts pure and our minds calm.

I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.

Good birth is a fine thing, but the merit is our ancestors.