I did not become a father because I am fond of children.

Nothing is more active than thought, for it travels over the universe, and nothing is stronger than necessity for all must submit to it.

Hope is the only good that is common to all men; those who have nothing else possess hope still.

Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing.

What is it that is most beautiful? - The Universe; for it is the work of God. What is most powerful? - Necessity; because it triumphs over all things. What is most difficult? - To know one's self. What is most easy? - To give advice. What method must we take to lead a good life? - To do nothing we would condemn in others. What is necessary to happiness? - A sound body and a contented mind.

A multitude of words is no proof of a prudent mind.

There are three attributes for which I am grateful to Fortune: that I was born, first, human and not animal; second, man and not woman; and third, Greek and not barbarian.