Theme
Courage
270 passages
- Cleanthes In every difficulty keep these words ready: Lead me, God and Fate, toward the end appointed for me. I will follow;…
- Diogenes Laertius Zeno also held that nothing obstructs a secure grasp of knowledge more than deceiving oneself.
- Diogenes Laertius Zeno said nothing was less fitting than arrogance, especially in the young.
- Epictetus A philosopher's school is a clinic, not a pleasure hall. We should leave it challenged, because we arrive unwell.
- Epictetus A public platform and a cell are both places, one elevated and one lowly; yet in either your power of choice can…
- Epictetus Among all things, some are good, some bad, and some indifferent. Virtue and what shares in it are good; vice and what…
- Epictetus As a mark is not set up for the sake of missing the aim, so neither does the nature of evil exist in the world.
- Epictetus Cast off conceit: no one can learn what they suppose they already know.
- Epictetus Consider what you are: before all else, a human being whose greatest power is reasoned choice, governing all else and…
- Epictetus Difficulties reveal character. When a trial meets you, think of it as a younger training partner sent by a coach.…
- Epictetus Do not cling so tightly to old companions that they pull you downward. Choose: remain as you were and be liked, or…
- Epictetus Don't allow such considerations as these distress you. "I will live in dishonor, and be nobody anywhere." For, if…
- Epictetus Duties are universally measured by relations. Is anyone a father? If so, it is implied that the children should take…
- Epictetus Endure a demanding winter of training; do not rush into work for which you have made no preparation.
- Epictetus Events make us fearful when we judge that others control them. A stronghold falls not chiefly to fire or steel, but to…
- Epictetus For remember that, if you adhere to the same point, those very persons who at first ridiculed will afterwards admire…
- Epictetus Guard your impressions constantly. What you defend is no minor possession: your dignity, reliability, steadiness,…
- Epictetus He was imprisoned; the claim that he suffered evil is something you added.
- Epictetus I teach and you learn in my school. I seek to make you whole: unimpeded, free of compulsion, unashamed, flourishing,…
- Epictetus If you turn your will toward what is outside your control merely to impress another, you have ruined your purpose. Be…
- Epictetus It is absurd to demand, ‘Tell me exactly what to do.’ Ask instead to train your mind to meet every circumstance, so…
- Epictetus Life resembles a campaign: one person keeps watch, another scouts, another stands in the front line. Each life is a…
- Epictetus Philosophers tell us not to stop at learning: add practice and training, or time will make us forget our lessons and…
- Epictetus Philosophy is preparation for whatever may come. One who has prepared to endure can say to each trial: this is what my…
- Epictetus Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a kind as the author pleases to make it. If short, of a short one;…
- Epictetus Remember that you are an actor in a drama, assigned a role by another. Your task is to play it well, whether it is…
- Epictetus Show me someone cheerful in illness, danger, death, exile, or disgrace. If not a complete Stoic, then show me one who…
- Epictetus Sickness is a hindrance to the body, but not to your ability to choose, unless that is your choice. Lameness is a…
- Epictetus The free person has what they will under every condition; whoever can be forced, restrained, or driven against their…
- Epictetus The greatest evil is not death but fearing it. Train against that fear in thought, practice, and study; this is the…
- Epictetus The true athlete trains against misleading impressions. Stand firm under pressure; do not let appearances carry you…
- Epictetus Two things must be removed: proud certainty, which thinks nothing more is needed, and despair, which thinks happiness…
- Epictetus Upon all occasions we ought to have these maxims ready at hand: "Conduct me, Jove, and you, 0 Destiny, Wherever your…
- Epictetus We do not give up our efforts merely because perfect mastery is beyond us.
- Epictetus What appears sensible or senseless, beneficial or harmful, varies from person to person. Education teaches us to bring…
- Epictetus What comes from these teachings? The finest reward of genuine learning: calm, courage, and liberty. Do not accept the…
- Epictetus What makes a person unimpeded and self-directed? Not wealth, office, public rank, or kingship. It is something else:…
- Epictetus Whatever moral rules you have deliberately proposed to yourself. abide by them as they were laws, and as if you would…
- Epictetus When a raven happens to croak unluckily, don't allow the appearance hurry you away with it, but immediately make the…
- Epictetus When you do anything from a clear judgment that it ought to be done, never shun the being seen to do it, even though…
- Epictetus Who is unconquerable? The person whom nothing outside a considered choice can throw into disorder.
- Epictetus Why call on heaven to remove your trouble? Were you not given hands? Wipe your own nose rather than hunting for…
- Epictetus With every accident, ask yourself what abilities you have for making a proper use of it. If you see an attractive…
- Epictetus Women from fourteen years old are flattered with the title of "mistresses" by the men. Therefore, perceiving that they…
- Epictetus You may restrain my body, but not even the highest god can destroy my power to choose.
- Marcus Aurelius After one consideration, man is nearest unto us; as we are bound to do them good, and to bear with them. But as he may…
- Marcus Aurelius Again, he that feareth pains and crosses in this world, feareth some of those things which some time or other must…
- Marcus Aurelius All parts of the world, (all things I mean that are contained within the whole world), must of necessity at some time…
- Marcus Aurelius All things that are in the world, are always in the estate of alteration. Thou also art in a perpetual change, yea and…
- Marcus Aurelius And how many there be, who never so much as heard of thy name, how many that will soon forget it; how many who but…
- Marcus Aurelius As a physician's prescription aims at healing, so nature may prescribe illness, disability, or hardship for the work…
- Marcus Aurelius As for that which is truly good, what can it stand in need of more than either justice or truth; or more than either…
- Marcus Aurelius As long as the foot doth that which belongeth unto it to do, and the hand that which belongs unto it, their labour,…
- Marcus Aurelius As ready therefore must a sound understanding be for whatsoever shall happen. But he that saith, O that my children…
- Marcus Aurelius As thou dost purpose to live, when thou hast retired thyself to some such place, where neither roarer nor harlot is:…
- Marcus Aurelius As virtue and wickedness consist not in passion, but in action; so neither doth the true good or evil of a reasonable…
- Marcus Aurelius Be it all one unto thee, whether half frozen or well warm; whether only slumbering, or after a full sleep; whether…
- Marcus Aurelius Be not therefore ashamed, whensoever thou must use the help of others. For whatsoever it be that lieth upon thee to…
- Marcus Aurelius But as for those which by the vulgar are esteemed good, if he shall hear them mentioned as good, he doth hearken for…
- Marcus Aurelius Changing your view and accepting correction are acts of free will. The action remains yours, guided by your purpose,…
- Marcus Aurelius Conceit no such things, as he that wrongeth thee conceiveth, or would have thee to conceive, but look into the matter…
- Marcus Aurelius Continue then to take notice of it, as thou hast begun, and whatsoever thou dost, do it not without this proviso, that…
- Marcus Aurelius Do not be ashamed to need assistance. You have a duty like a soldier at the wall; if you are hurt and cannot climb…
- Marcus Aurelius Do not ever conceive anything impossible to man, which by thee cannot, or not without much difficulty be effected; but…
- Marcus Aurelius Either all things by the providence of reason happen unto every particular, as a part of one general body; and then it…
- Marcus Aurelius Either this world is a κόσμος, or comely piece, because all disposed and governed by certain order: or if it be a…
- Marcus Aurelius Either thou dost Continue in this kind of life and that is it, which so long thou hast been used unto and therefore…
- Marcus Aurelius Even as if any of the gods should tell thee, Thou shalt certainly die to-morrow, or next day, thou wouldst not, except…
- Marcus Aurelius First, do not be shaken. Then look directly at the task, remembering that your aim is to be a good person. Do what…
- Marcus Aurelius Fit and accommodate thyself to that estate and to those occurrences, which by the destinies have been annexed unto…
- Marcus Aurelius Free from all compulsion in all cheerfulness and alacrity thou mayst run out thy time, though men should exclaim…
- Marcus Aurelius He is a true fugitive, that flies from reason, by which men are sociable. He blind, who cannot see with the eyes of…
- Marcus Aurelius He that feareth death, either feareth that he shall have no sense at all, or that his senses will not be the same.…
- Marcus Aurelius How clearly doth it appear unto thee, that no other course of thy life could fit a true philosopher's practice better,…
- Marcus Aurelius How Socrates looked, when he was fain to gird himself with a skin, Xanthippe his wife having taken away his clothes,…
- Marcus Aurelius If anybody shall reprove me, and shall make it apparent unto me, that in any either opinion or action of mine I do…
- Marcus Aurelius If it be not fitting, do it not. If it be not true, speak it not. Ever maintain thine own purpose and resolution free…
- Marcus Aurelius If pain be an evil, either it is in regard of the body; (and that cannot be, because the body of itself is altogether…
- Marcus Aurelius If people do not marvel at your intelligence, let it be. You possess many qualities no birth can deny: honesty,…
- Marcus Aurelius If someone shows me that my thought or act is mistaken, I will gladly change, for I seek truth; deceit and ignorance…
- Marcus Aurelius If they can do nothing, why doest thou pray? If they can, why wouldst not thou rather pray, that they will grant unto…
- Marcus Aurelius If you find anything in human life better than justice, truth, self-command, and courage—better than a mind sufficient…
- Marcus Aurelius 'In my sickness' (saith Epicurus of himself:) 'my discourses were not concerning the nature of my disease, neither was…
- Marcus Aurelius In the ancient mystical letters of the Ephesians, there was an item, that a man should always have in his mind some…
- Marcus Aurelius Injustice often appears not only in what you do, but in what you fail to do.
- Marcus Aurelius Is it not for that respect especially, that pleasure itself is to so many men's hurt and overthrow, most prevalent,…
- Marcus Aurelius Is it so with thee, that hitherto thou hast neither by word or deed wronged any of them? Remember withal through how…
- Marcus Aurelius It is shameful when the spirit gives up before the body does.
- Marcus Aurelius It is that, that all men have ever been subject unto. That thou camest therefore I am not angry with thee, only…
- Marcus Aurelius It is that which many time and often thou hast already seen and known in the world. And so oft as anything doth happen…
- Marcus Aurelius Keep thyself therefore, truly simple, good, sincere, grave, free from all ostentation, a lover of that which is just,…
- Marcus Aurelius Let him be deceived whosoever he be that shall have any such opinion of thee. For all this doth depend of thee. For…
- Marcus Aurelius Let it be thy perpetual meditation, how many physicians who once looked so grim, and so theatrically shrunk their…
- Marcus Aurelius Let opinion be taken away, and no man will think himself wronged. If no man shall think himself wronged, then is there…
- Marcus Aurelius Let them behold and see a man, that is a man indeed, living according to the true nature of man. If they cannot bear…
- Marcus Aurelius Let thy course ever be the most compendious way. The most compendious, is that which is according to nature: that is,…
- Marcus Aurelius Let us do our best endeavours to persuade them; but however, if reason and justice lead thee to it, do it, though they…
- Marcus Aurelius Living resembles wrestling more than dancing, for it demands readiness to meet and withstand sudden, unforeseen attacks.
- Marcus Aurelius Loss and corruption, is in very deed nothing else but change and alteration; and that is it, which the nature of the…
- Marcus Aurelius Most justly have these things happened unto thee: why dost not thou amend? O but thou hadst rather become good…
- Marcus Aurelius 'My heart smiled within me.' 'They will accuse even virtue herself; with heinous and opprobrious words.'
- Marcus Aurelius Nature gives rational beings the power to turn obstacles and opposition toward their purpose; each person can make a…
- Marcus Aurelius Never esteem of anything as profitable, which shall ever constrain thee either to break thy faith, or to lose thy…
- Marcus Aurelius No man can hinder thee to live as thy nature doth require. Nothing can happen unto thee, but what the common good of…
- Marcus Aurelius Nothing can block the purposes of your mind. Fire, weapons, rulers, insults, and every other threat leave it untouched.
- Marcus Aurelius Nothing can happen unto thee, which is not incidental unto thee, as thou art a man. As nothing can happen either to an…
- Marcus Aurelius Nothing is more wretched than a wolf posing as a sheep. Flee false friendship. If you are good, candid, and…
- Marcus Aurelius O foolery! For what if they did, would their masters be sensible of It? or if sensible, would they be glad of it? or…
- Marcus Aurelius O man! what ado doest thou keep? Do what thy nature doth now require. Resolve upon it, if thou mayest: and take no…
- Marcus Aurelius Of my grandfather Verus I have learned to be gentle and meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion. From the fame…
- Marcus Aurelius Out of Antisthenes. 'It is a princely thing to do well, and to be ill-spoken of. It is a shameful thing that the face…
- Marcus Aurelius People may oppose your rational path but cannot prevent sound action. Do not let them drive away your goodwill; keep…
- Marcus Aurelius Pray in another way: not to possess what you crave, but to be free of the craving; not for another's ruin, but for…
- Marcus Aurelius Remember how long thou hast already put off these things, and how often a certain day and hour as it were, having been…
- Marcus Aurelius Remember that thy mind is of that nature as that it becometh altogether unconquerable, when once recollected in…
- Marcus Aurelius Remember, that to change thy mind upon occasion, and to follow him that is able to rectify thee, is equally ingenuous,…
- Marcus Aurelius See what Crates pronounceth concerning Xenocrates himself.
- Marcus Aurelius She cannot be dyed or infected by it. What then must I do, that I may have within myself an overflowing fountain, and…
- Marcus Aurelius Sift their minds and understandings, and behold what men they be, whom thou dost stand in fear of what they shall…
- Marcus Aurelius Sincere kindness cannot be overcome. What can a malicious person do when you remain kind and gently correct them, if…
- Marcus Aurelius So may every reasonable creature, what crosses and impediments soever it meets with in the course of this mortal life,…
- Marcus Aurelius Socrates was wont to call the common conceits and opinions of men, the common bugbears of the world: the proper terror…
- Marcus Aurelius Take heed lest at any time thou stand so affected, though towards unnatural evil men, as ordinary men are commonly one…
- Marcus Aurelius Take me and throw me where thou wilt: I am indifferent. For there also I shall have that spirit which is within me…
- Marcus Aurelius That which the nature of the universe doth busy herself about, is; that which is here, to transfer it thither, to…
- Marcus Aurelius The art of true living in this world is more like a wrestler's, than a dancer's practice. For in this they both agree,…
- Marcus Aurelius The best kind of revenge is, not to become like unto them.
- Marcus Aurelius The final ends and consummations of actions are nothing at all to a man's nature. The end therefore of a man, or the…
- Marcus Aurelius The finest revenge is refusing to become like the one who wronged you.
- Marcus Aurelius The gods will do thee no hurt, thou mayest be sure. But if it be so that there be no gods, or that they take no care…
- Marcus Aurelius The life of such an one, death can never surprise as imperfect; as of an actor, that should die before he had ended,…
- Marcus Aurelius There is, who without so much as a coat; and there is, who without so much as a book, doth put philosophy in practice.…
- Marcus Aurelius Think thyself fit and worthy to speak, or to do anything that is according to nature, and let not the reproach, or…
- Marcus Aurelius Those things that are his own, and in his own power, he himself takes order, for that they be good: and as for those…
- Marcus Aurelius Thou must be like a promontory of the sea, against which though the waves beat continually, yet it both itself stands,…
- Marcus Aurelius To be cheerful, and to stand in no need, either of other men's help or attendance, or of that rest and tranquillity,…
- Marcus Aurelius To grow together like fellow branches in matter of good correspondence and affection; but not in matter of opinions.…
- Marcus Aurelius To righteousness, in speaking the truth freely, and without ambiguity; and in doing all things justly and discreetly.…
- Marcus Aurelius Under, above, and about, are the motions of the elements; but the motion of virtue, is none of those motions, but is…
- Marcus Aurelius Use thyself even unto those things that thou doest at first despair of. For the left hand we see, which for the most…
- Marcus Aurelius We love ourselves readily, yet often value others' judgment above our own. We give great weight to our peers' opinions…
- Marcus Aurelius What is it then that should be dear unto us? to hear a clattering noise? if not that, then neither to be applauded by…
- Marcus Aurelius What manner of men they be whom they seek to please, and what to get, and by what actions: how soon time will cover…
- Marcus Aurelius What pain soever thou art in, let this presently come to thy mind, that it is not a thing whereof thou needest to be…
- Marcus Aurelius What work are you here to do? To become a decent human being.
- Marcus Aurelius Whatever others say or do, I am bound to goodness—like gold or an emerald that keeps its own color regardless of what…
- Marcus Aurelius Whatsoever doth happen unto thee, thou art naturally by thy natural constitution either able, or not able to bear. If…
- Marcus Aurelius Whatsoever it be that happens unto thee, it is that which from all time was appointed unto thee. For by the same…
- Marcus Aurelius When a training partner strikes you roughly, do not hate or suspect them; watch carefully and avoid wisely, without…
- Marcus Aurelius When anger begins to rise, remember: fury is not strength. Kindness and courtesy are more truly human, and thus more…
- Marcus Aurelius When any shall either impeach thee with false accusations, or hatefully reproach thee, or shall use any such carriage…
- Marcus Aurelius When pain comes, remember it is no disgrace and cannot corrupt your ruling mind or prevent rational, social action. Do…
- Marcus Aurelius When rising feels hard, remember: I am getting up for a human being’s work. Was I made merely to lie warm, or to act…
- Marcus Aurelius When something seems hard for you, do not judge it impossible. What is possible and fitting for another person is…
- Marcus Aurelius Wherever one is able to live, one can live well; even in the business of the courts, a good life is possible.
- Marcus Aurelius Whosoever thou art, thou art such, thou art cast forth I know not whither out of the general unity, which is according…
- Marcus Aurelius Why should imprudent unlearned souls trouble that which is both learned, and prudent? And which is that that is so?…
- Marcus Aurelius Why then should that rather be an unhappiness, than this a happiness? But however, canst thou, O man! term that…
- Marcus Aurelius Within ten days, if so happen, thou shalt be esteemed a god of them, who now if thou shalt return to the dogmata and…
- Marcus Aurelius You receive what you choose: instead of being good today, you decide to put goodness off until tomorrow.
- Marcus Aurelius Your long wandering proves that the art of living was not found in logic, wealth, reputation, or pleasure. It lies in…
- Plutarch Cato cultivated the public speech that can move a people, but he did not rehearse for display and spoke only when he…
- Seneca A king may be killed by a slave, or a serpent, or an arrow: but no one can be saved except by some one who is greater…
- Seneca A tyrant differs from a king in deeds, not in title: for the elder Dionysius deserves to be preferred before many…
- Seneca Above all, measure yourself truthfully, since we usually imagine ourselves capable of more than we are.
- Seneca All our senses should be educated into strength: they are naturally able to endure much, provided that the spirit…
- Seneca Am I to expect that evil speaking will respect anything, seeing that it respected neither Rutilius nor Cato? Will any…
- Seneca Anger is of use to lions, timidity to stags, boldness 92to hawks, flight to doves. What if I declare that it is not…
- Seneca “Anger,” says Aristotle, “is necessary, nor can any fight be won without it, unless it fills the mind, and kindles up…
- Seneca As Cicero observed, we dislike fighters who cling to life by any means and admire those who meet danger without…
- Seneca Believe me: true joy is a weighty matter. Can anyone face death, poverty, restrained pleasure, and pain with ease…
- Seneca “But the way by which we are asked to climb is steep and uneven.” What then? Can heights be reached by a level path?…
- Seneca Even Caesar, who may do all things, may not do many things for this very reason: his watchfulness protects all men’s…
- Seneca Fear itself harms many people; many meet the fate they dread because they lived in dread of it.
- Seneca Good fortune can reach even the humble and untalented. Greatness belongs to the one who overcomes the shocks and…
- Seneca He best knows the time at which he ought to show favour to each man: I will use my utmost efforts to prevent his…
- Seneca He who says that the wise man can bear this and cannot bear that, and restrains his magnanimity within certain limits,…
- Seneca He who strives with a man makes himself that man’s rival, and must be on equal terms with him before he can overcome…
- Seneca He who, trusting to 33reason, passes through human affairs with godlike mind, has no quarter from which he can receive…
- Seneca Hecato says: no herbs, potions, or spells are needed for this charm—if you want love, begin by loving.
- Seneca Hold in your bosom Novatilla, who soon will present you with great-grandchildren, she whom I had so entirely adopted…
- Seneca However, to pass by all other instances, not to speak of the other deaths which have occurred in my own house. Fortune…
- Seneca I call you unfortunate because you have met no adversity. You have gone through life without a rival, so neither you…
- Seneca I do not wish for pain, war, or illness; but if they come, I wish to meet them bravely and honorably. Seek not…
- Seneca I was wrecked before I sailed; the voyage taught me how much is unnecessary and how readily we can release it when…
- Seneca I will not be embarrassed to borrow a fine saying from a poor writer.
- Seneca If man, as they argue, seeks for quiet and repose, what virtue is there which is more agreeable to his nature than…
- Seneca If trained to do so, they are just as able to endure sorrow or labour. Ye good gods, do I say this in that very city…
- Seneca It is a speech which ought to be spoken 416before a meeting of all mankind, whose words all kings and princes ought to…
- Seneca It is better, therefore, to conquer it than to cheat it; for a grief which has been deceived and driven away either by…
- Seneca It is better to overcome grief than to trick it.
- Seneca It is to guarantee the safety of all these that Fortune has struck you in this quarter: you have many left in whom you…
- Seneca It is too late to school the mind to endurance of peril after peril has come. “I did not think this would happen,” and…
- Seneca It is your duty to imitate their constancy in enduring and triumphing over suffering, as far as it is permitted to a…
- Seneca It often condemns a man because it dislikes his patron; it loves and maintains error even when truth is staring it in…
- Seneca King Cambyses was excessively addicted to wine. Praexaspes was the only one of his closest friends who advised him to…
- Seneca Lay aside lamentations and wailings, and all the usual noisy manifestations of female sorrow: you have gained nothing…
- Seneca Let them no longer, then, join incongruous matters together, or connect pleasure with 218virtue, a mistake whereby…
- Seneca Let us accomplish something courageous ourselves and take our place among those worthy of imitation.
- Seneca Let us add, if you please, to these grounds of complaint the disposition of the youth himself, cut off in the midst of…
- Seneca Let us praise one who deserves such constant praises, and say, “The braver you are the happier you are!
- Seneca Let us take examples for great kingdoms from smaller ones. There are many forms of royalty: a prince reigns over his…
- Seneca Let us therefore briskly and cheerfully hasten with undaunted steps whithersoever circumstances call us: let us wander…
- Seneca Let your own goodness of heart be gradually spread and diffused throughout the whole body of the empire, and all parts…
- Seneca Life has no sound direction, and misery has no end, when we allow fear to rule.
- Seneca May it not be that, although anger be not natural, it may be right to adopt it, because it often proves useful? It…
- Seneca Men deserve praise for engaging in profitable studies, even though they stop short of producing any results. Why need…
- Seneca No one therefore could console you as well as he: when he speaks his words have greater weight, as though they were…
- Seneca Nothing can be imagined which is more becoming to a sovereign than clemency, by whatever title and right he may be set…
- Seneca Of all these propositions that which I have stated first appears the most difficult to prove. I mean, that the things…
- Seneca Plato, Zeno, Chrysippus, and many other Stoics spoke well. People make such words their own by doing what they have…
- Seneca Pray, Alexander, what is the difference between your throwing Lysimachus into a lion’s den and tearing his flesh with…
- Seneca Slaves are allowed to run and take sanctuary at the statue of a god, though the laws allows a slave to be ill-treated…
- Seneca Some one has offered you an insult? Not a greater one, probably, than was offered to the Stoic philosopher Diogenes,…
- Seneca Sorrow is awkward at reviewing the position of affairs, at devising useful expedients, avoiding dangerous courses, and…
- Seneca Tantalus: What is the greatest power? Thyestes: To need nothing from it.
- Seneca Test your spirit by sometimes accepting scant food and plain clothing, then ask whether this is the evil you feared.…
- Seneca The cruelty even of private men has sometimes been revenged by their slaves in spite of the certainty that they will…
- Seneca The Emperor Augustus lost his darling sister Octavia, and though Nature destined him for heaven, yet she did not relax…
- Seneca The former belongs to an over-weak mind, the latter to an over-hard one. Let the wise man be moderate, and when things…
- Seneca The foundations of new cities are laid, new names of nations arise, while the former ones die out, or become absorbed…
- Seneca The good person does what is honorable despite labor, injury, or danger, and refuses what is shameful despite profit,…
- Seneca The hardness of flint is known to none so well as to those who strike it. I offer myself to all attacks, like some…
- Seneca The position of all busy men is unhappy, but most unhappy of all is that of those who do not even labour at their own…
- Seneca The reasoning soul is stronger than every turn of fortune. From within itself it directs its life and makes it happy…
- Seneca The talk of these men is not dangerous, their friendship will not lead you to the scaffold, their society will not…
- Seneca The wise person loses nothing, for all that is truly theirs is stored in themselves. Their goods rest in virtue,…
- Seneca The wretched man did not lose his readiness of speech; his face did not change. “Every kind of dinner,” said he, “is…
- Seneca The wrongs of the powerful must not only be borne, but borne with a cheerful countenance: they will repeat the wrong…
- Seneca Think, moreover, how full of risk is the great task which you have undertaken: you have to deal with the human…
- Seneca Think you that the people could do any wrong to such a man when they tore away his praetorship or his toga? when they…
- Seneca This is perhaps the very worst quality of cruelty: a man must go on exercising it, and it is impossible for him to…
- Seneca Tradition tells us that Vatinius, a man born both to be laughed at and hated, was a witty and clever jester. He made…
- Seneca Virtue is the sole good, and no secure good exists apart from it. Virtue belongs to our rational part: firm, truthful…
- Seneca We are infuriated at being reproved, either by reprimand or actual chastisement, although we are sinning at that very…
- Seneca We might go on blaming fate much longer, but we cannot alter it: it stands harsh and inexorable: no one can move it by…
- Seneca We must abandon many things we call good but have become dependent on. Otherwise courage withers, for it needs…
- Seneca “What then? Will there be no one who will try to do an injury to the wise man?” Yes, some one will try, but the injury…
- Seneca Whatever he meant, it was a magnanimous answer. Some one may say, “After this Gaius might have let him live.” Kanus…
- Seneca Whatever remains to be done, virtue meets with courage and speed. It is foolish to undertake work grudgingly, sending…
- Seneca When as they proceeded neither roots nor herbs were to be found in the sand, and they found a wilderness destitute…
- Seneca When he was just of your age, at the end of his twenty-second year, he had already hidden daggers under the clothes of…
- Seneca When hurrying to besiege Babylon, since in making war it is above all things important to seize one’s opportunity, he…
- Seneca Why be indignant? Why protest? This is the task for which we are made.
- Seneca Why make misfortune heavier by lamenting it? It is the stronger course to meet adversity directly. The more precarious…
- Seneca Will you follow your predecessors? Certainly—but if I discover a path shorter and smoother, I will make use of it.…
- Seneca Work through your troubles: difficult times can be eased, narrow passages opened, and heavy burdens lightened by…
- Seneca Would to heaven that such savagery had contented itself with foreign examples, and that barbarity in anger and…
- Seneca You are indignant at being answered back by your slave, your freedman, your wife, or your client: and then you…
- Seneca You are mistaken, therefore, when you ask me what it is on account of which I seek after virtue: for you are seeking…
- Seneca You are not traveling but drifting from place to place, though the good life you seek is available everywhere. Even…
- Seneca You ask what difference there is between them? All that there is between two very brave gladiators, one of whom…
- Seneca You cannot stray away from your position; it besets you, and follows you with mighty pomp wherever you go. This…
- Seneca You have asked me, Lucilius, why, if the world be ruled by providence, so many evils befall good men?
- Seneca You have coveted a glory which is most rare, and which has been obtained by no emperor before you, that of innocence.…
- Seneca You have no grounds for excusing yourself on the ground of being a woman, who has a sort of right to weep without…
- Seneca You lost your most affectionate uncle, a brave and excellent man, just when you were awaiting his return: and, lest…
- Seneca You may as well say—“What then? When a good man sees his father or his son being cut down, I suppose he will not weep…
- Seneca You may make this simile apply to your whole entrance into life. I have explained to you what attractions and what…
- Seneca You must be aware that none of them know how to behave, whether to mention Drusus in your presence or not, as they…
- Seneca You must now show a virtue equal to hers, recall your mind from grief, and take care that no one may think that you…
- Seneca You need not believe what others say about me: that you may not be puzzled by any uncertainty as to what to think, I…
- Seneca You need not think, because sometimes they call for death, that their lives are long: their folly torments them with…
- Seneca You never would deny me anything, and I hope, though all grief is obstinate, that you will surely not refuse me this…
- Seneca You should know that good men ought to act in like manner, so as not to fear troubles and difficulties, nor to lament…
- Seneca You, therefore, who allow them to trouble you to an unreasonable extent ought especially to restrain yourselves, and…
- Seneca You will more easily correct the men themselves by a slight punishment, for he who has some part of his fortune…
- Seneca Your great-great-grandfather spared the vanquished: for whom could he have ruled over, had he not spared them? He…
- Zeno Well-being is achieved through small advances, though it is itself no small achievement.
- Zeno You may seize my body by force, but my mind remains with Stilpo.