If thou wishest to get rid of thy evil propensities, thou must keep far from evil companions.

Nothing is more disgraceful than that an old man should have nothing to show to prove that he has lived long, except his years.

No work is of such merit as to instruct from a mere cursory perusal.

Poverty wants some, luxury many, and avarice all things.

Be silent as to services you have rendered, but speak of favours you have received.

Philosophy takes as her aim the state of happiness...she shows us what are real and what are only apparent evils. She strips men's minds of empty thinking, bestows a greatness that is solid and administers a check to greatness where it is puffed up and all an empty show; she sees that we are left no doubt about the difference between what is great and what is bloated.

Misfortunes, in fine, cannot be avoided; but they may be sweetened, if not overcome, and our lives made happy by philosophy.