No man is nobler born than another, unless he is born with better abilities and a more amiable disposition. They who make such a parade with their family pictures and pedigrees, are, properly speaking, rather to be called noted or notorious than noble persons. I thought it right to say this much, in order to repel the insolence of men who depend entirely upon chance and accidental circumstances for distinction, and not at all on public services and personal merit.

He who fears from near at hand often fears less.

A hungry people listens not to reason, not cares for justice, nor is bent by any prayers.

Many person might have achieved wisdom had they not supposed that they already possessed it.

Our (the Stoic) motto, as you know, is live according to nature.

It is a proof of nobility of mind to despise injuries.

No crime has been without a precedent.