This is the difference between us Romans and the Etruscans: We believe that lightning is caused by clouds colliding, whereas they believe that clouds collide in order to create lightning. Since they attribute everything to gods, they are led to believe not that events have a meaning because they have happened, but that they happen in order to express a meaning.

It is medicine, not scenery, for which a sick man must go searching.

Other men's sins are before our eyes; our own are behind our backs.

We are more wicked together than separately. If you are forced to be in a crowd, then most of all you should withdraw into yourself.

The wise man then followed a simple way of life-which is hardly surprising when you consider how even in this modern age he seeks to be as little encumbered as he possibly can.

Dignity increases more easily than it begins.

He that does good to another does good also to himself.