Theme
Wisdom
698 passages
- Diogenes Laertius Diogenes of Sinope said that we exchange what is precious for what is cheap, and sometimes the cheap for the precious.
- Diogenes Laertius Heraclitus called self-deceit a dreadful sickness, and even sight a sense that can mislead.
- Diogenes Laertius When a young man spoke foolishly, Zeno told him: ‘We have two ears and one mouth so that we may listen twice as much…
- 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 good person's material for work is their governing reason, as a physician works on bodies and a farmer on land.
- Epictetus A philosopher brings the will into accord with events, so that nothing arrives wholly against it and no wish is…
- Epictetus A philosopher's school is a clinic, not a pleasure hall. We should leave it challenged, because we arrive unwell.
- Epictetus A sound beginning in philosophy is to recognize clearly one's own governing mind.
- 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 Ask yourself at first light: What do I lack for freedom from passion and for peace? What am I: merely body, owner, or…
- Epictetus At the first impression, do not be swept away. Tell it: wait, let me learn what you are and test you.
- Epictetus Be assured that the essential property of piety towards the gods is to form right opinions concerning them, as…
- 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 Decide first what sort of person you intend to be; then do what follows from that decision. Athletes choose their…
- Epictetus Difficulties reveal character. When a trial meets you, think of it as a younger training partner sent by a coach.…
- Epictetus Don't be prideful with any excellence that is not your own. If a horse should be prideful and say, " I am handsome,"…
- Epictetus Don't say that he does it ill, but in a mighty little time. Does anyone drink a great quantity of wine? Don't say that…
- Epictetus Don't wish to be thought to know anything; and even if you appear to be somebody important to others, distrust…
- Epictetus Eat, drink, dress, marry, raise children, take part in civic life, and bear difficult relatives and neighbors. Show by…
- 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 Every capacity is strengthened by the actions that match it: walking by walking, running by running. Anger likewise…
- Epictetus Every matter has two handles: one by which it can be carried, another by which it cannot. When a brother wrongs you,…
- Epictetus Every strong capacity is risky for the beginner; use such powers only as you can, and in accord with nature.
- Epictetus Everything has two handles, the one by which it may be carried, the other by which it cannot. If your brother acts…
- Epictetus For a time, do not advertise your philosophy. Let it grow like seed hidden in the soil until it is mature; fruit shown…
- Epictetus Free is the one who lives without compulsion or obstruction in their choices, whose aims are sound and whose aversions…
- Epictetus Freedom is gained not by satisfying every desire, but by diminishing desire itself.
- Epictetus Good and bad lie in our deliberate choices. Things outside choice are neither good nor bad in themselves.
- Epictetus Good lies in a certain use of rational choice, and evil in another. Externals are merely material for that choice,…
- Epictetus Guard your impressions constantly. What you defend is no minor possession: your dignity, reliability, steadiness,…
- Epictetus Habit has great force. Since we are accustomed to chasing and avoiding what lies beyond our choice, we must build the…
- Epictetus If a person gave your body to any stranger he met on his way, you would certainly be angry. And do you feel no shame…
- Epictetus If you are able, then, by your own conversation bring over that of your company to proper subjects; but, if you happen…
- Epictetus If you are defeated and say you will overcome, yet continue exactly as before, you will grow so weak that eventually…
- Epictetus If you call what is servile free, or claim as yours what belongs to another, you will be frustrated and accusing.…
- Epictetus If you ever happen to turn your attention to externals, so as to wish to please anyone, be assured that you have…
- Epictetus If you have assumed any character above your strength, you have both made an ill figure in that and quitted one which…
- Epictetus If you turn your will toward what is outside your control merely to impress another, you have ruined your purpose. Be…
- Epictetus If you want to improve, accept appearing uninformed or foolish in matters that do not concern you. Do not seek the…
- Epictetus It is absurd to demand, ‘Tell me exactly what to do.’ Ask instead to train your mind to meet every circumstance, so…
- Epictetus It is not the person who insults or strikes that injures you, but your judgment that you have been injured. When anger…
- Epictetus It is sold for praise; it is sold for attendance. Give him then the value, if it is for your advantage. But if you…
- Epictetus Keep death, exile, and every feared thing before you daily; then you will avoid base thoughts and excessive desire.
- Epictetus Keep two rules ready: nothing is good or bad except our reasoned choice, and we should follow events rather than try…
- Epictetus Learn to live as a healthy person lives: with confidence in what is dependable, unhindered, and cannot be taken—your…
- Epictetus Life's foremost work is this: distinguish matters clearly, so I can tell myself which are external and beyond my…
- Epictetus Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things. Death, for…
- Epictetus Misfortune, quarrels, blame, and agitation are judgments outside our choice. Restrict judgment to choice, and peace…
- Epictetus Nothing outside my chosen judgment can obstruct or injure it; only it can damage itself. When we fail, blame no one…
- Epictetus Once standards are established, things can be tested against them. Philosophy examines and protects those standards;…
- Epictetus People are troubled not by events, but by the judgments they form about events.
- Epictetus People who take in doctrines and immediately recite them resemble an ill stomach returning its food. Let teachings be…
- Epictetus Philosophers tell us not to stop at learning: add practice and training, or time will make us forget our lessons and…
- Epictetus Philosophy promises no outward possession; its material is our own life, as wood is the carpenter’s and bronze the…
- Epictetus Put no faith in reputation, wealth, or rank, but in your judgments about what is and is not yours to control. That is…
- Epictetus Remember, that not he who gives ill language or a blow insults, but the principle which represents these things as…
- Epictetus Socrates said: as one person enjoys tending a field and another training a horse, I enjoy improving myself each day.
- Epictetus Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a…
- Epictetus Stop accusing gods and people. Govern your desires, avoid only what your judgment can govern, and release anger,…
- Epictetus The body is to everyone the measure of the possessions proper for it, just as the foot is of the shoe. If, therefore,…
- Epictetus The condition and characteristic of a vulgar person, is, that he never expects either benefit or hurt from himself,…
- Epictetus The gods left us the ruling power: the ability to use appearances well, which governs all else. They gave no more, not…
- Epictetus The good person is unconquerable because they do not enter contests where they are weak. Others may take possessions,…
- Epictetus The mind's proper business is choosing and declining, pursuing and avoiding, preparing, intending, and assenting. What…
- Epictetus The soul is like water and impressions like light upon it. When water is stirred, the light seems to move, though it…
- Epictetus The third topic, then, is necessary on the account of the second, and the second on the account of the first. But the…
- Epictetus The true athlete trains against misleading impressions. Stand firm under pressure; do not let appearances carry you…
- Epictetus The will of nature may be learned from those things in which we don't distinguish from each other. For example, when…
- Epictetus There are three fields in which the person seeking wisdom and goodness must train. First are desire and aversion, so…
- Epictetus These paths cannot be combined. Be one person: devote yourself either to sound judgment or to externals; guard the…
- Epictetus These reasonings are unconnected: "I am richer than you, therefore I am better"; "I am more eloquent than you,…
- Epictetus True education is learning to apply our natural ideas properly, and to distinguish what depends on us from what does…
- Epictetus Two things must be removed: proud certainty, which thinks nothing more is needed, and despair, which thinks happiness…
- Epictetus We do not give up our efforts merely because perfect mastery is beyond us.
- Epictetus We test money with great care, yet for our governing mind we drowse, accepting every appearance that comes along.
- Epictetus What aid is there against a habit? Practice its opposite.
- Epictetus What appears sensible or senseless, beneficial or harmful, varies from person to person. Education teaches us to bring…
- Epictetus What can be stopped, seized, or compelled is not truly one’s own; what cannot be hindered belongs to us.
- 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 beautiful is human excellence. If you would be beautiful, cultivate justice, composure, and…
- Epictetus What makes a person unimpeded and self-directed? Not wealth, office, public rank, or kingship. It is something else:…
- Epictetus When a child grips too many sweets in a narrow jar, the fist cannot come out and the child cries. Let go of a few, and…
- Epictetus When a painful impression comes, say: you are only an impression, not necessarily what you seem. Test whether it…
- Epictetus When any person harms you, or speaks badly of you, remember that he acts or speaks from a supposition of its being his…
- Epictetus When anyone shows himself overly confident in ability to understand and interpret the works of Chrysippus, say to…
- Epictetus When attention slips, do not assume you can recover it at will. Though error is unavoidable, keep striving not to let…
- Epictetus When caution is directed toward one's own judgments and actions, one also gains the power to avoid harm. But when…
- Epictetus When pleasure presents itself, do not be swept away. Delay your response. Consider both the enjoyment now and the…
- Epictetus When troubling news reaches you, remember that no report can damage your power of choice. It may tell you of death;…
- Epictetus When walking, you are careful not to step on a nail or turn your foot; so likewise be careful not to hurt the ruling…
- Epictetus When you are going about any action, remind yourself what nature the action is. If you are going to bathe, picture to…
- Epictetus When you have recourse to divination, remember that you know not what the event will be, and you come to learn it of…
- Epictetus When you see anyone weeping in grief because his son has gone abroad, or is dead, or because he has suffered in his…
- Epictetus Whenever you accuse providence, reconsider the matter and you may find that what occurred accords with reason.
- Epictetus Who is unconquerable? The person whom nothing outside a considered choice can throw into disorder.
- 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 are not your body or your style of hair, but your faculty for choosing well; make your choices fine, and you will…
- Epictetus You may be unconquerable, if you enter into no combat in which it is not in your own control to conquer.
- Heraclitus Wisdom is one thing: keep your attention on the ruling intelligence that directs all else.
- Marcus Aurelius A black or malign disposition, an effeminate disposition; an hard inexorable disposition, a wild inhuman disposition,…
- Marcus Aurelius A man without ever the least appearance of anger, or any other passion; able at the same time most exactly to observe…
- Marcus Aurelius Accept then, and be pleased with whatsoever doth happen, though otherwise harsh and un-pleasing, as tending to that…
- Marcus Aurelius Add nothing beyond the first report. Someone speaks badly of you; that is all reported, not that you are harmed. A…
- Marcus Aurelius Again, consider now the times of Trajan. There likewise thou seest the very self-same things, and that age also is now…
- Marcus Aurelius Again, how he was no backbiter, nor easily frightened, nor suspicious, and in his language free from all affectation…
- Marcus Aurelius Alexander, Caius, Pompeius; what are these to Diogenes, Heraclitus, and Socrates? These penetrated into the true…
- Marcus Aurelius Alexander of Macedon, and he that dressed his mules, when once dead both came to one. For either they were both…
- Marcus Aurelius All men are made one for another: either then teach them better, or bear with them.
- Marcus Aurelius All, petty things; all things that are soon altered, soon perished. And all things come from one beginning; either all…
- Marcus Aurelius All substances come soon to their change, and either they shall be resolved by way of exhalation (if so be that all…
- Marcus Aurelius All those things, for matter of experience are usual and ordinary; for their continuance but for a day; and for their…
- Marcus Aurelius All worldly things thou must behold and consider, dividing them into matter, form, and reference, or their proper end.
- 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 And indeed we must needs commit many evils, if we incline to any of these things, more or less, with an opinion of any…
- Marcus Aurelius And that I gave over the study of rhetoric and poetry, and of elegant neat language. That I did not use to walk about…
- Marcus Aurelius And this I say of them, who once shined as the wonders of their ages, for as for the rest, no sooner are they expired,…
- Marcus Aurelius Anger and grief often harm us more than the events that first stirred them.
- Marcus Aurelius As every fancy and imagination presents itself unto thee, consider (if it be possible) the true nature, and the proper…
- 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 for the use of thy dogmata, thou must carry thyself in the practice of them, rather like unto a pancratiastes, or…
- Marcus Aurelius As one that tosseth up a ball. And what is a ball the better, if the motion of it be upwards; or the worse if it be…
- Marcus Aurelius As one who is altogether governed by nature, let it be thy care to observe what it is that thy nature in general doth…
- Marcus Aurelius As the ordinary shows of the theatre and of other such places, when thou art presented with them, affect thee; as the…
- Marcus Aurelius At every moment keep your mind firmly on the work before you, as a human being, doing it with plain dignity, care,…
- Marcus Aurelius At the cause, or the matter? Behold either by itself, is either of that weight and moment indeed? And besides these,…
- Marcus Aurelius At the conceit and apprehension that such and such a one hath sinned, thus reason with thyself; What do I know whether…
- Marcus Aurelius Attend carefully to what is said and to what follows from each deed; in action seek its aim, and in speech its meaning.
- Marcus Aurelius Attend to what lies before you: the principle involved, the work required, or the impression being presented.
- Marcus Aurelius Be not angry neither with him whose breath, neither with him whose arm holes, are offensive. What can he do? such is…
- 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 Behold and observe, what is the state of their rational part; and those that the world doth account wise, see what…
- Marcus Aurelius Build your life deed by deed, satisfied when each reaches its proper end. If an outward obstacle appears, it cannot…
- 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 But this thou mayest be sure of, that this (if it be so indeed) would never have been so ordered by the Gods, had it…
- Marcus Aurelius But whatsoever it is that thou art about, remember to call upon the Gods. And as for the time how long thou shalt live…
- Marcus Aurelius By one action judge of the rest: this bathing which usually takes up so much of our time, what is it? Oil, sweat,…
- Marcus Aurelius Cast away from thee opinion, and thou art safe. And what is it that hinders thee from casting of it away?
- Marcus Aurelius Change contains no evil, just as remaining in a new condition contains no good.
- Marcus Aurelius Changing your view and accepting correction are acts of free will. The action remains yours, guided by your purpose,…
- Marcus Aurelius Collect yourself. As one waking from a troubling dream sees it for what it was, wake up and see that the things…
- 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 Consider all matter and your tiny share; all time and your nearly instant portion; all fate and your minute place…
- Marcus Aurelius Consider earlier ages: people married, raised children, fell sick, died, traded, schemed, loved, sought office, and…
- Marcus Aurelius Consider how many different things, whether they concern our bodies, or our souls, in a moment of time come to pass in…
- Marcus Aurelius Consider how quickly all things are dissolved and resolved: the bodies and substances themselves, into the matter and…
- Marcus Aurelius Consider them through all actions and occupations, of their lives: as when they eat, and when they sleep: when they…
- Marcus Aurelius Consider with thyself how man, and by what part of his, is joined unto God, and how that part of man is affected, when…
- 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 Dig within yourself: there is a spring of goodness there, ready to flow whenever you continue digging.
- Marcus Aurelius Do not approach philosophy like a strict overseer. Go to it as the sick go for treatment: for sore eyes, a burn, or a…
- Marcus Aurelius Do not be tossed about. Bring every impulse before justice, and preserve your sound judgment whenever appearances…
- Marcus Aurelius Do not delay in action, muddle speech, scatter thought, make your soul either passive or hostile, or fill life…
- Marcus Aurelius Do not ever conceive anything impossible to man, which by thee cannot, or not without much difficulty be effected; but…
- Marcus Aurelius Do not let the whole course of your life overwhelm you. Stay with the present hardship and ask why it is truly…
- Marcus Aurelius Do not let yourself become an emperor in spirit; remain simple, upright, kind, just, and strong in your proper work.
- Marcus Aurelius Do nothing against thy will, nor contrary to the community, nor without due examination, nor with reluctancy. Affect…
- Marcus Aurelius Do nothing grudgingly or selfishly; avoid needless display, excess speech, and dependence on another's support.
- Marcus Aurelius Do, soul, do; abuse and contemn thyself; yet a while and the time for thee to respect thyself, will be at an end.…
- Marcus Aurelius Dost thou not see, how even those that profess mechanic arts, though in some respect they be no better than mere…
- Marcus Aurelius Doth either the sun take upon him to do that which belongs to the rain? or his son Aesculapius that, which unto the…
- 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 Enough of this wretched complaining. Stop idling. What troubles you? Look at the cause or at the matter itself. As for…
- Marcus Aurelius Even if you lived for ages beyond counting, you lose only the life now being lived. The present is equal for all, and…
- Marcus Aurelius Ever consider and think upon the world as being but one living substance, and having but one soul, and how all things…
- Marcus Aurelius Ever to mind and consider with thyself; how all things that now are, have been heretofore much after the same sort,…
- Marcus Aurelius Ever to represent unto thyself; and to set before thee, both the general age and time of the world, and the whole…
- Marcus Aurelius Every particular nature hath content, when in its own proper course it speeds. A reasonable nature doth then speed,…
- Marcus Aurelius Every soul lacks truth unwillingly; the same is true of justice, moderation, and goodwill. Keep this in mind, and you…
- Marcus Aurelius Everything depends on the judgment you attach to it, and that judgment is yours. Remove it when you choose, and you…
- Marcus Aurelius Examine closely the governing principles of others, especially the wise: see what they avoid and what they pursue.
- 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 For all these things, if once though but for a while, they begin to please, they presently prevail, and pervert a…
- Marcus Aurelius For if thou shalt not be sensible of thine innocence; if that also shall be gone from thee, the comfort of a good…
- Marcus Aurelius For not observing the state of another man's soul, scarce was ever any man known to be unhappy. Tell whosoever they be…
- Marcus Aurelius For peace, do not merely do fewer things; do what a rational, social being must do, and do it well. Restrain needless…
- Marcus Aurelius For the motion of the mind to any injustice, or incontinency, or to sorrow, or to fear, is nothing else but a…
- Marcus Aurelius For these also, these famous soldiers and warlike men, if thou dost look into their minds and opinions, what do they…
- Marcus Aurelius For without relation unto God, thou shalt never speed in any worldly actions; nor on the other side in any divine,…
- Marcus Aurelius Four several dispositions or inclinations there be of the mind and understanding, which to be aware of, thou must…
- Marcus Aurelius From Alexander the Grammarian, to be un-reprovable myself, and not reproachfully to reprehend any man for a barbarism,…
- Marcus Aurelius From Rusticus I learned to read with care, not to rest satisfied with a broad, shallow grasp, and not to agree too…
- Marcus Aurelius Generally then, whatsoever it be, besides virtue, and those things that proceed from virtue that thou art subject to…
- Marcus Aurelius Getting what you wanted might feel pleasant, but that is why pleasure can mislead. Consider instead the greater goods:…
- Marcus Aurelius Give each action attention in proportion to its value. Then you will not grow weary by spending more effort than…
- Marcus Aurelius Go to the quality of the cause from which the effect doth proceed. Behold it by itself bare and naked, separated from…
- Marcus Aurelius Has another done wrong to me? That is for him to consider; he has his own character and concerns. I have what…
- Marcus Aurelius Hast thou reason? I have. Why then makest thou not use of it? For if thy reason do her part, what more canst thou…
- Marcus Aurelius Hath not yet experience taught thee to fly from the plague? For a far greater plague is the corruption of the mind,…
- Marcus Aurelius He hath a stronger body, and is a better wrestler than I. What then? Is he more bountiful? is he more modest? Doth he…
- 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 hath not one and the self-same general end always as long as he liveth, cannot possibly be one and the…
- Marcus Aurelius He that knoweth not what the world is, knoweth not where he himself is. And he that knoweth not what the world was…
- Marcus Aurelius He therefore that forsakes the law, is a fugitive. So is he, whosoever he be, that is either sorry, angry, or afraid,…
- Marcus Aurelius Herein doth consist happiness of life, for a man to know thoroughly the true nature of everything; what is the matter,…
- Marcus Aurelius Him that offends, to teach with love and meek ness, and to show him his error. But if thou canst not, then to blame…
- Marcus Aurelius Honour that which is chiefest and most powerful in the world, and that is it, which makes use of all things, and…
- Marcus Aurelius How corrupt to announce, “I will speak frankly.” Your sincerity should need no notice; it should be visible in your…
- Marcus Aurelius How does your ruling mind govern itself? Everything else, whether chosen or not, is merely smoke and a lifeless thing…
- Marcus Aurelius How easy a thing is it for a man to put off from him all turbulent adventitious imaginations, and presently to be in…
- Marcus Aurelius How good it is to reject a disturbing, alien impression and at once restore peace within.
- Marcus Aurelius How ridiculous and strange is he, that wonders at anything that happens in this life in the ordinary course of nature!
- Marcus Aurelius Human joy lies in proper human activity: kindness toward others, resistance to mere appetite, trustworthy judgment,…
- Marcus Aurelius I answer, That which thou sayest is true indeed, but the true meaning of that which is said, thou dost not understand.…
- Marcus Aurelius I consist of body and soul. Unto my body all things are indifferent, for of itself it cannot affect one thing more…
- Marcus Aurelius I have often wondered how it should come to pass, that every man loving himself best, should more regard other men's…
- Marcus Aurelius If a cucumber is bitter, discard it. If thorns block the way, go around them. Why ask why such irritations exist?…
- Marcus Aurelius if any should put this question unto thee, how this word Antoninus is written, wouldst thou not presently fix thine…
- 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 he have sinned, his is the harm, not mine. But perchance he hath not.
- Marcus Aurelius If it were that thou hadst at one time both a stepmother, and a natural mother living, thou wouldst honour and respect…
- Marcus Aurelius If my present apprehension of the object be right, and my present action charitable, and this, towards whatsoever doth…
- 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 this neither be my wicked act, nor an act anyways depending from any wickedness of mine, and that by it the public…
- Marcus Aurelius If thou beest quick-sighted, be so in matter of judgment, and best discretion, saith he.
- Marcus Aurelius If thou canst but withdraw conceit and opinion concerning that which may seem hurtful and offensive, thou thyself art…
- Marcus Aurelius If thou shalt intend that which is present, following the rule of right and reason carefully, solidly, meekly, and…
- Marcus Aurelius If to understand and to be reasonable be common unto all men, then is that reason, for which we are termed reasonable,…
- Marcus Aurelius In another man's mind and understanding thy evil Cannot subsist, nor in any proper temper or distemper of the natural…
- Marcus Aurelius In matter of writing or reading thou must needs be taught before thou can do either: much more in matter of life. 'For…
- Marcus Aurelius In sum, either there is a God, and then all is well; or if all things go by chance and fortune, yet mayest thou use…
- 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 In the country of the Quadi at Granua, these. Betimes in the morning say to thyself, This day I shalt have to do with…
- Marcus Aurelius Infinite are the troubles and miseries, that thou hast already been put to, by reason of this only, because that for…
- Marcus Aurelius Is any man so foolish as to fear change, to which all things that once were not owe their being? And what is it, that…
- Marcus Aurelius Is it not a cruel thing to forbid men to affect those things, which they conceive to agree best with their own…
- Marcus Aurelius It is against himself that he doth offend: why should it trouble thee? Hath anything happened unto thee? It is well,…
- Marcus Aurelius It is in my power concerning this thing that is happened, what soever it be, to conceit that which is right and true.…
- Marcus Aurelius It is in thy power absolutely to exclude all manner of conceit and opinion, as concerning this matter; and by the same…
- Marcus Aurelius It is most needful that thou shouldst always remember this. For so shalt thou be far more gentle and moderate towards…
- Marcus Aurelius It is not about ordinary petty matters, believe it, that all our strife and contention is, but whether, with the…
- Marcus Aurelius It is not by way of any suspicious indignation, but by way of gentle and friendly declination. Keep the same mind and…
- Marcus Aurelius It is not possible that any nature should be inferior unto art, since that all arts imitate nature. If this be so;…
- 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 It is the part of a man endowed with a good understanding faculty, to consider what they themselves are in very deed,…
- Marcus Aurelius Keep before your mind those consumed by anger, resentment, success, disaster, wrongdoing, or distinction. Ask where it…
- Marcus Aurelius Keep thyself to the first bare and naked apprehensions of things, as they present themselves unto thee, and add not…
- Marcus Aurelius Know at last that within you is something stronger and more divine than the forces that stir bodily passions and tug…
- Marcus Aurelius Learn the art of assent, and keep impulses reserved, directed toward the common good, and measured by true value.
- Marcus Aurelius Let it be thy perpetual meditation, how many physicians who once looked so grim, and so theatrically shrunk their…
- Marcus Aurelius Let not that chief commanding part of thy soul be ever subject to any variation through any corporal either pain or…
- Marcus Aurelius Let not the general representation unto thyself of the wretchedness of this our mortal life, trouble thee. Let not thy…
- Marcus Aurelius Let not things future trouble thee. For if necessity so require that they come to pass, thou shalt (whensoever that…
- Marcus Aurelius Let nothing be done rashly, and at random, but all things according to the most exact and perfect rules of art.
- 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 that of Heraclitus never be out of thy mind, that the death of earth, is water, and the death of water, is air;…
- Marcus Aurelius Let the several deaths of men of all sorts, and of all sorts of professions, and of all sort of nations, be a…
- Marcus Aurelius Let this suffice. Add not presently speaking unto thyself, What serve these things for in the world? For, this, one…
- Marcus Aurelius Let this then be thy first ground, that thou art part of that universe, which is governed by nature. Then secondly,…
- 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 thy mind penetrate both into the effects, and into the causes. Rejoice thyself with true simplicity, and modesty;…
- Marcus Aurelius Let thy thoughts ever run upon them, who once for some one thing or other, were moved with extraordinary indignation;…
- 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 Look carefully at the supposed pleasures of thieves, predators, murderers, and tyrants.
- Marcus Aurelius Look in, let not either the proper quality, or the true worth of anything pass thee, before thou hast fully…
- Marcus Aurelius Many of those things that trouble and straiten thee, it is in thy power to cut off, as wholly depending from mere…
- Marcus Aurelius Meditate often upon the connection of all things in the world; and upon the mutual relation that they have one unto…
- Marcus Aurelius My city and country as I am Antoninus, is Rome; as a man, the whole world. Those things therefore that are expedient…
- Marcus Aurelius My reasoned choice is independent of my neighbor’s, as of their body or breath. Though made for cooperation, each…
- 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 Never wont to use the baths at unseasonable hours; no builder; never curious, or solicitous, either about his meat, or…
- Marcus Aurelius No operation whatsoever it he, ceasing for a while, can be truly said to suffer any evil, because it is at an end.…
- Marcus Aurelius Not in syllogisms, and logical subtilties, not in wealth, not in honour and reputation, not in pleasure. In none of…
- Marcus Aurelius Not only now henceforth to have a common breath, or to hold correspondency of breath, with that air, that compasseth…
- Marcus Aurelius Not to wander out of the way, but upon every motion and desire, to perform that which is just: and ever to be careful…
- Marcus Aurelius Nothing is more wretched than a wolf posing as a sheep. Flee false friendship. If you are good, candid, and…
- Marcus Aurelius Now much time and leisure doth he gain, who is not curious to know what his neighbour hath said, or hath done, or hath…
- 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 my soul, the time I trust will be, when thou shalt be good, simple, single, more open and visible, than that body by…
- Marcus Aurelius Observe the stars in their courses as though you moved with them; reflect on nature's changes, for this clears away…
- Marcus Aurelius Of all unreasonable creatures, there is but one unreasonable soul; and of all that are reasonable, but one reasonable…
- Marcus Aurelius Of an operation and of a purpose there is an ending, or of an action and of a purpose we say commonly, that it is at…
- Marcus Aurelius Of Diognetus, not to busy myself about vain things, and not easily to believe those things, which are commonly spoken,…
- Marcus Aurelius Of everything that presents itself unto thee, to consider what the true nature of it is, and to unfold it, as it were,…
- Marcus Aurelius Of everything therefore thou must use thyself to say, This immediately comes from God, this by that fatal connection,…
- Marcus Aurelius Of Fronto, to how much envy and fraud and hypocrisy the state of a tyrannous king is subject unto, and how they who…
- Marcus Aurelius Of him also I learned how to receive favours and kindnesses (as commonly they are accounted:) from friends, so that I…
- Marcus Aurelius Of him that brought me up, not to be fondly addicted to either of the two great factions of the coursers in the…
- Marcus Aurelius Of his, that thou mayest consider whether in the estate of ignorance, or of knowledge. And then also must thou call to…
- 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 Of the same nature is sickness and death; slander, and lying in wait, and whatsoever else ordinarily doth unto fools…
- Marcus Aurelius On waking, remind yourself that you will meet intrusive, ungrateful, vain, deceitful, jealous, and irritable people;…
- Marcus Aurelius One who follows reason in everything is both at ease and ready for action—cheerful and composed together.
- Marcus Aurelius Others may block an act, but not your purpose or disposition. The mind can adapt, making a barrier serve its aim: what…
- Marcus Aurelius Out of Plato. 'He then whose mind is endowed with true magnanimity, who hath accustomed himself to the contemplation…
- Marcus Aurelius People neglect the praise of those whose lives they share, yet hunger for applause from generations they will never…
- Marcus Aurelius People seek refuge in the country, at the shore, and in the hills; yet at any moment they may withdraw into…
- Marcus Aurelius Plato spoke well: when considering human affairs, look down from above and take in crowds, armies, fields, unions and…
- Marcus Aurelius Pursuing what cannot be achieved is folly; yet the ignoble person pursues nothing else.
- Marcus Aurelius Put aside what is past, leave the future to the larger order, and direct the present toward reverence and justice:…
- Marcus Aurelius Reason moves freely when it accepts no falsehood, aims only at the common good, desires only what it can govern, and…
- Marcus Aurelius Reflect often on how all things are connected and depend on one another. They are woven together, each following…
- Marcus Aurelius Reflect often on how swiftly all things are carried past us: existence flows like a river, actions keep changing,…
- Marcus Aurelius Remember that all is but opinion and conceit, for those things are plain and apparent, which were spoken unto Monimus…
- Marcus Aurelius Remember that all is but opinion, and all opinion depends of the mind. Take thine opinion away, and then as a ship…
- Marcus Aurelius Remember, that as it is a shame for any man to wonder that a fig tree should bear figs, so also to wonder that the…
- 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 Remember the fable of the country mouse and the city mouse, and the great fright and terror that this was put into.
- Marcus Aurelius Remove the belief that you have been harmed, and the harm is removed; remove the sense of injury, and injury vanishes.
- Marcus Aurelius Return quickly to your own reason, to the reason of the whole, and to your neighbor's: make your mind just, remember…
- Marcus Aurelius Revere your power of understanding: it keeps the ruling mind from admitting what conflicts with nature, reason, care…
- Marcus Aurelius Sayest thou unto that rational part, Thou art dead; corruption hath taken hold on thee? Doth it then also void…
- Marcus Aurelius See what Crates pronounceth concerning Xenocrates himself.
- Marcus Aurelius Set your mind first on unquestioned goods—wisdom, self-command, justice, courage—and the crowd's claims will lose…
- 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 Skill at defeating an opponent does not make someone more civic-minded, modest, prepared for hardship, or patient with…
- Marcus Aurelius Socrates said, 'What will you have? the souls of reasonable, or unreasonable creatures? Of reasonable. But what? Of…
- 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 Some things hasten to be, and others to be no more. And even whatsoever now is, some part thereof hath already…
- Marcus Aurelius Someone ignorant of the universe does not know where they stand. Someone ignorant of life's purpose knows neither…
- Marcus Aurelius Soon you will die, yet you remain insincere, unsettled, and suspicious of externals; you are not gracious, though…
- Marcus Aurelius Spectacle, strife, fright, dullness, and servility destroy our principles whenever the mind receives them without…
- Marcus Aurelius Stir up thy mind, and recall thy wits again from thy natural dreams, and visions, and when thou art perfectly awoken,…
- Marcus Aurelius Strip appearances down: fine food, wine, clothing, and desire become ordinary matter when seen without embellishment.
- Marcus Aurelius Such and such things, from such and such causes, must of necessity proceed. He that would not have such things to…
- Marcus Aurelius Such as thy thoughts and ordinary cogitations are, such will thy mind be in time. For the soul doth as it were receive…
- Marcus Aurelius That inward mistress part of man if it be in its own true natural temper, is towards all worldly chances and events…
- Marcus Aurelius That is best for every one, that the common nature of all doth send unto every one, and then is it best, when she doth…
- Marcus Aurelius That soul which is ever ready, even now presently (if need be) from the body, whether by way of extinction, or…
- Marcus Aurelius That which is a hindrance of the appetitive and prosecutive faculty, is an evil to the sensitive nature. As of the…
- Marcus Aurelius That which is not good for the bee-hive, cannot be good for the bee.
- Marcus Aurelius That which most men would think themselves most happy for, and would prefer before all things, if the Gods would grant…
- Marcus Aurelius That which must be the subject of thy consideration, is either the matter itself, or the dogma, or the operation, or…
- Marcus Aurelius The ambitious supposeth another man's act, praise and applause, to be his own happiness; the voluptuous his own sense…
- Marcus Aurelius The completed character spends each day as a last one: without frenzy, idleness, or pretense.
- Marcus Aurelius The earth, saith the poet, doth often long after the rain. So is the glorious sky often as desirous to fall upon the…
- Marcus Aurelius The end and object of a rational constitution is, to do nothing rashly, to be kindly affected towards men, and in all…
- 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 form of the Athenians' prayer did run thus: 'O rain, rain, good Jupiter, upon all the grounds and fields that…
- 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 matter itself, of which the universe doth consist, is of itself very tractable and pliable. That rational essence…
- Marcus Aurelius The most weighty and serious, if rightly esteemed, but as puppies, biting one another: or untoward children, now…
- Marcus Aurelius The motion of the mind is not as the motion of a dart. For the mind when it is wary and cautelous, and by way of…
- Marcus Aurelius The nature of the universe did once certainly before it was created, whatsoever it hath done since, deliberate and so…
- Marcus Aurelius The next, that all these things, which now thou seest, shall within a very little while be changed, and be no more:…
- Marcus Aurelius The Pythagoreans were wont betimes in the morning the first thing they did, to look up unto the heavens, to put…
- Marcus Aurelius The rational commanding part, as it alone can stir up and turn itself; so it maketh both itself to be, and everything…
- Marcus Aurelius The rational soul knows itself, examines itself, and chooses itself; it gathers the fruit of its own purpose.
- Marcus Aurelius The soul is shaped by the thoughts it repeatedly entertains, since such ideas give it its color.
- Marcus Aurelius The things themselves that affect us, they stand without doors, neither knowing anything themselves nor able to utter…
- Marcus Aurelius The things themselves (which either to get or to avoid thou art put to so much trouble) come not unto thee themselves;…
- Marcus Aurelius The time of a man's life is as a point; the substance of it ever flowing, the sense obscure; and the whole composition…
- Marcus Aurelius The universe is transformation; our life is shaped by judgment.
- Marcus Aurelius The whole space of any man's life, is but little; and as little as it is, with what troubles, with what manner of…
- Marcus Aurelius Then hath a man attained to the estate of perfection in his life and conversation, when he so spends every day, as if…
- Marcus Aurelius Then is the soul as Empedocles doth liken it, like unto a sphere or globe, when she is all of one form and figure:…
- Marcus Aurelius There by thyself to put these questions to thyself or to enter in these considerations: What is my chief and principal…
- Marcus Aurelius There is but one light of the sun, though it be intercepted by walls and mountains, and other thousand objects. There…
- Marcus Aurelius There is not any man that is so happy in his death, but that some of those that are by him when he dies, will be ready…
- Marcus Aurelius There is nothing more shameful than perfidious friendship. Above all things, that must be avoided. However true…
- 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 These are enough: sound judgment in the present, action for the shared good in the present, and grateful acceptance in…
- Marcus Aurelius These things thou must always have in mind: What is the nature of the universe, and what is mine—in particular: This…
- Marcus Aurelius These two rules, thou must have always in a readiness. First, do nothing at all, but what reason proceeding from that…
- Marcus Aurelius They contemn one another, and yet they seek to please one another: and whilest they seek to surpass one another in…
- Marcus Aurelius Things pursued or avoided do not rush at you; in a sense you move toward them. Keep your judgment steady, and they too…
- 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 This day I did come out of all my trouble. Nay I have cast out all my trouble; it should rather be for that which…
- Marcus Aurelius This may ever be my comfort and security: my understanding, that ruleth over all, will not of itself bring trouble and…
- Marcus Aurelius This purple robe, but sheep's hairs, dyed with the blood of a shellfish. So for coitus, it is but the attrition of an…
- Marcus Aurelius This thou must ever be mindful of, as of this also, that a man's true happiness doth consist in very few things. And…
- Marcus Aurelius This, what is it in itself, and by itself, according to its proper constitution? What is the substance of it? What is…
- Marcus Aurelius Those things which the common sort of people do admire, are most of them such things as are very general, and may be…
- Marcus Aurelius Those who chase applause make their welfare depend on others; lovers of pleasure make it depend on sensation. The…
- Marcus Aurelius Thou art now ready to die, and yet hast thou not attained to that perfect simplicity: thou art yet subject to many…
- Marcus Aurelius Thou mayest always speed, if thou wilt but make choice of the right way; if in the course both of thine opinions and…
- Marcus Aurelius Thou must use thyself also to keep thy body fixed and steady; free from all loose fluctuant either motion, or posture.…
- Marcus Aurelius To a reasonable creature, the same action is both according to nature, and according to reason.
- Marcus Aurelius To desire things impossible is the part of a mad man. But it is a thing impossible, that wicked man should not commit…
- Marcus Aurelius To find out, and set to thyself some certain way and method of contemplation, whereby thou mayest clearly discern and…
- Marcus Aurelius To look about, and with the eyes to follow the course of the stars and planets as though thou wouldst run with them;…
- Marcus Aurelius To pierce and penetrate into the estate of every one's understanding that thou hast to do with: as also to make the…
- Marcus Aurelius To steal, to sow, to buy, to be at rest, to see what is to be done (which is not seen by the eyes, but by another kind…
- Marcus Aurelius To suffer change can be no hurt; as no benefit it is, by change to attain to being. The age and time of the world is…
- Marcus Aurelius To the stone that is cast up, when it comes down it is no hurt unto it; as neither benefit, when it doth ascend.
- Marcus Aurelius To them that are sick of the jaundice, honey seems bitter; and to them that are bitten by a mad dog, the water…
- Marcus Aurelius To them that ask thee, Where hast thou seen the Gods, or how knowest thou certainly that there be Gods, that thou art…
- Marcus Aurelius To these ever-present helps and mementoes, let one more be added, ever to make a particular description and…
- Marcus Aurelius To which end it was, that Diogenes took also the same liberty. After these, what were either the Middle, or New Comedy…
- Marcus Aurelius To wipe away fancy, to use deliberation, to quench concupiscence, to keep the mind free to herself.
- Marcus Aurelius Today I escaped pressure—or rather cast it out—for it was not in events but in the judgments I made about them.
- Marcus Aurelius Toys and fooleries at home, wars abroad: sometimes terror, sometimes torpor, or stupid sloth: this is thy daily…
- Marcus Aurelius Turn it over and inspect it: see what it becomes with age, sickness, or disgrace. Brief are praise and fame, memory…
- 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 Upon every action that thou art about, put this question to thyself; How will this when it is done agree with me?…
- Marcus Aurelius Use thyself; as often, as thou seest any man do anything, presently (if it be possible) to say unto thyself, What is…
- Marcus Aurelius Use thyself therefore often to meditate upon this, that the nature of the universe delights in nothing more, than in…
- Marcus Aurelius Use thyself when any man speaks unto thee, so to hearken unto him, as that in the interim thou give not way to any…
- Marcus Aurelius Walk through the succession of past kingdoms; look ahead and you will see the same pattern. Whether forty years or an…
- Marcus Aurelius We all work to one effect, some willingly, and with a rational apprehension of what we do: others without any such…
- Marcus Aurelius We are incense grains cast upon one altar: one falls sooner, another later; the difference is nothing.
- Marcus Aurelius We can withhold judgment about a thing and keep it from disturbing the mind, because things themselves do not form our…
- 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 are their minds and understandings; and what the things that they apply themselves unto: what do they love, and…
- Marcus Aurelius What art and profession soever thou hast learned, endeavour to affect it, and comfort thyself in it; and pass the…
- Marcus Aurelius What art thou, that better and divine part excepted, but as Epictetus said well, a wretched soul, appointed to carry a…
- Marcus Aurelius What does my soul serve? Ask this often. Whose soul do I possess now: a child’s, a tyrant’s, a tame animal’s, or a…
- Marcus Aurelius What harms the hive cannot benefit the bee.
- 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 is that that is slow, and yet quick? merry, and yet grave? He that in all things doth follow reason for his guide.
- Marcus Aurelius What is the present estate of my understanding? For herein lieth all indeed. As for all other things, they are without…
- Marcus Aurelius What is the use that now at this present I make of my soul? Thus from time to time and upon all occasions thou must…
- 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 object soever, our reasonable and sociable faculty doth meet with, that affords nothing either for the…
- Marcus Aurelius What remains worth valuing? To restrict action and restraint to what accords with the discipline that shapes us. This…
- Marcus Aurelius What? To enjoy the operations of a sensitive soul; or of the appetitive faculty? or wouldst thou grow, and then…
- Marcus Aurelius What use is there of suspicion at all? or, why should thoughts of mistrust, and suspicion concerning that which is…
- Marcus Aurelius Whatsoever doth happen in the ordinary course and consequence of natural events, neither the Gods, (for it is not…
- Marcus Aurelius Whatsoever he said, all men believed him that as he spake, so he thought, and whatsoever he did, that he did it with a…
- Marcus Aurelius Whatsoever I am, is either flesh, or life, or that which we commonly call the mistress and overruling part of man;…
- Marcus Aurelius Whatsoever in any kind doth happen to any one, is expedient to the whole. And thus much to content us might suffice,…
- Marcus Aurelius Whatsoever is expedient unto thee, O World, is expedient unto me; nothing can either be 'unseasonable unto me, or out…
- Marcus Aurelius When a training partner strikes you roughly, do not hate or suspect them; watch carefully and avoid wisely, without…
- Marcus Aurelius When an external event disturbs you, the trouble lies not in the event but in your judgment of it—and that judgment…
- Marcus Aurelius When another wrongs you, ask at once what they thought good or bad in doing it. Seeing this, you will pity rather than…
- Marcus Aurelius When another's fault provokes you, turn at once to your own related errors—your attachment to gain, pleasure, or…
- Marcus Aurelius When any shall either impeach thee with false accusations, or hatefully reproach thee, or shall use any such carriage…
- Marcus Aurelius When at any time thou art offended with any one's impudency, put presently this question to thyself: 'What? Is it then…
- Marcus Aurelius When circumstances throw you into confusion, recover yourself quickly. Do not remain out of rhythm longer than needed;…
- 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 someone errs, correct them gently and show the overlooked point; if you cannot, fault yourself—or no one.
- Marcus Aurelius When thou art offended with any man's transgression, presently reflect upon thyself; and consider what thou thyself…
- Marcus Aurelius When thou seest Satyro, think of Socraticus and Eutyches, or Hymen, and when Euphrates, think of Eutychio, and…
- Marcus Aurelius When thou wilt comfort and cheer thyself, call to mind the several gifts and virtues of them, whom thou dost daily…
- Marcus Aurelius Whensoever any man doth trespass against other, presently consider with thyself what it was that he did suppose to be…
- Marcus Aurelius Whensoever by some present hard occurrences thou art constrained to be in some sort troubled and vexed, return unto…
- Marcus Aurelius Where the matter may be effected agreeably to that reason, which both unto the Gods and men is common, there can be no…
- Marcus Aurelius Whether thou speak in the Senate or whether thou speak to any particular, let thy speech In always grave and modest.…
- Marcus Aurelius Who can choose but wonder at them? They will not speak well of them that are at the same time with them, and live with…
- Marcus Aurelius Whoever commits injustice injures themselves. The unjust person makes their own character worse.
- Marcus Aurelius Whoever has seen the present has seen all things: what has happened from the beginning and what will continue forever,…
- Marcus Aurelius Why rage at bad breath or body odor? Such a body produces such effects. If someone can understand their impact, use…
- Marcus Aurelius Why should any of these things that happen externally, so much distract thee? Give thyself leisure to learn some good…
- Marcus Aurelius Why should I grieve myself; who never did willingly grieve any other! One thing rejoices one and another thing another.
- 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 Why then shouldest thou so earnestly either seek after these things, or fly from them, as though they should endure…
- Marcus Aurelius Will either passengers, or patients, find fault and complain, either the one if they be well carried, or the others if…
- Marcus Aurelius Wind up thyself into thyself. Such is the nature of thy reasonable commanding part, as that if it exercise justice,…
- Marcus Aurelius Wipe away false impressions by telling yourself continually: my soul can exclude any evil, desire, or disturbance. I…
- Marcus Aurelius Wipe off all idle fancies, and say unto thyself incessantly; Now if I will, it is in my power to keep out of this my…
- 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 Word after word, every one by itself, must the things that are spoken be conceived and understood; and so the things…
- Marcus Aurelius You can possess now what you pray to gain by a long route, if only you stop withholding it from yourself.
- Marcus Aurelius You consist of body, breath, and mind. The first two are entrusted to your care; only the mind is truly your own.
- Marcus Aurelius You have suffered greatly because you would not let your ruling mind perform the work for which it was made. Enough.
- Marcus Aurelius You say fortune once met you everywhere. Yet fortunate people create their own fortune through a well-ordered soul,…
- Marcus Aurelius Your guiding principles cannot be put out unless you extinguish the thoughts that sustain them, for new thoughts are…
- Marcus Aurelius Your ruling mind is unconquerable when it relies on itself and refuses what it judges contrary to its will. With…
- Musonius Rufus A worthy ruler is necessarily philosophical, and the true philosopher has a kingly character from the beginning.
- Musonius Rufus How could banishment prevent a person from cultivating themselves or attaining virtue, when exile has never barred…
- Musonius Rufus Human nature begins with a leaning toward virtue.
- Musonius Rufus Philosophy is not a matter of appearance; it is attentiveness to what matters and faithful care for it.
- Musonius Rufus Some minds are quicker and some slower; some receive better formation than others. Those with poorer habits need more…
- Musonius Rufus When asked whether virtue comes better through teaching or habit—teaching being sound principles and habit being…
- 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 calm mind in adversity strips misfortune of much of its force and weight.
- Seneca A life without an aim wanders. Once an aim is set, principles are required; otherwise conduct becomes hesitant,…
- Seneca A person's character is their own; titles and offices are handed out by chance. Welcome some because they deserve it,…
- 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 Add to this that, according to the doctrine of Chrysippus, a man may live at leisure: I do not say that he ought to…
- Seneca All life is slavery: let each man therefore reconcile himself to his lot, complain of it as little as possible, and…
- Seneca Am I to expect that evil speaking will respect anything, seeing that it respected neither Rutilius nor Cato? Will any…
- Seneca Among these and in the first place must be ranked that thrill of the mind which seizes us at the thought of…
- Seneca An old person often has no proof of a long life except the count of years.
- Seneca Anger makes many men cripples, or invalids, even when it meets with an unresisting victim: and besides this, no…
- Seneca Anger, therefore, is not useful even in wars or battles: for it is prone to rashness, and while trying to bring others…
- Seneca Are you not embarrassed to give wisdom only the scraps of life that business has not consumed?
- Seneca At the same time he reflects that all men are too low to venture to look down upon what is so far above them.
- Seneca Atreus: Who would refuse fortune's overflowing gifts? Thyestes: One who knows how swiftly they can be withdrawn.
- Seneca Be assured that the same rule applies both to public and private life: simple and manageable undertakings proceed…
- Seneca Be assured that the same thing would be the case if no one’s offence is pardoned: it will quickly be discovered how…
- Seneca Be assured, when you see the Forum crowded with a multitude, 83the Saepta swarming with people, or the great Circus,…
- Seneca Believe me: it is better to keep accounts of your own life than of the grain market.
- Seneca Believe me: true joy is a weighty matter. Can anyone face death, poverty, restrained pleasure, and pain with ease…
- Seneca But come! let virtue lead the way: then every step will be safe. Too much pleasure is hurtful: but with virtue we need…
- Seneca “But how is it that this man studies philosophy and nevertheless lives the life of a rich man? Why does he say that…
- Seneca Chance assigns us our parents, people say; yet we may choose the ancestors whose children we wish to be.
- Seneca Circumstances mislead us, so judge them carefully. We often choose evil before good and desire what contradicts our…
- Seneca Clemency, then, makes princes safer as well as more respected, and is a glory to empires besides being their most…
- Seneca Consequently, the empire of the world has almost always remained in the hands of those nations who enjoy a milder…
- Seneca Consider the truly wealthy: how often they resemble the poor. When traveling, they limit their baggage; when speed is…
- Seneca Consider what we chase so fiercely: little of it is useful; much is needless, and much else is worth far less than it…
- Seneca Death weighs heavily on the person known by everyone else but unknown to himself.
- Seneca Demochares, who was surnamed Parrhesiastes on account of his unbridled and impudent tongue, came on an embassy to him…
- Seneca Disaster weighs more when it surprises us; the unexpected always deepens pain. Let nothing be wholly unforeseen:…
- Seneca Do not commit the fault of making every one, who according to his ability admires your writings, ask how so frail a…
- Seneca Do not envy the person always displaying rank or fame; such prizes are purchased with life, and many reach the summit…
- Seneca Do not, then, make any mistake: riches belong to the class of desirable things. “Why then,” say you, “do you laugh at…
- Seneca “Do you ask,” writes he, “what I am doing here? I am living in my Tusculan villa almost as a prisoner.” He adds more…
- Seneca Even quiet times can give the anxious mind new material for fear. Once the mind has learned to panic blindly, safety…
- Seneca Every one when he calls himself innocent looks rather to external witnesses than to his own conscience. How much more…
- Seneca Fear itself harms many people; many meet the fate they dread because they lived in dread of it.
- Seneca Finally, having traversed every one of the realms below, it soars to the highest heaven, enjoys the noblest of all…
- Seneca Finally, the other passions seize upon individuals; anger is the only one which sometimes possesses a whole state. No…
- Seneca For this reason we say that nothing comes upon the wise contrary to expectation.
- Seneca Fortune strikes hardest when it catches us unprepared; the person who expects change bears it more easily.
- Seneca Fortune's reach is shorter than we imagine; it besieges only those who cling to it. Let us withdraw from her as far as…
- Seneca Give the mind rest: after a break it returns stronger and sharper. Constant labor dulls and weakens the rational soul.
- Seneca Give up hope and you will give up fear; both arise because we send our thoughts too far beyond the present.
- Seneca Good fortune can reach even the humble and untalented. Greatness belongs to the one who overcomes the shocks and…
- Seneca “He gave me the praetorship. Yes, but I had hoped for the consulship. He bestowed the twelve axes upon me: true, but…
- Seneca He who follows others who have started before him on the wrong road is surely excusable for having wandered on the…
- Seneca He who restrains himself within the limits prescribed by 338nature, will not feel poverty; he who exceeds them will…
- Seneca Hence it is that we call some regions wet or dry, warm or cold. The same distinctions apply likewise to animals and…
- Seneca Heraclitus wept at public life, while Democritus laughed at it. We should bear human affairs lightly; it is more…
- Seneca How few magistrates are there who ought not to be condemned by the very same laws which they administer? How few…
- Seneca How shameful when an aged advocate dies in court, still pleading for strangers and chasing the praise of an uninformed…
- 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 am not a wise man, and I will not be one in order to feed your spite: so do not require me to be on a level with…
- 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 praise those who rush into life's torrent and wrestle daily with hardship by choice. A wise person can endure…
- Seneca I know, however, that there are some who imagine that clemency only saves the life of every villain, because clemency…
- Seneca I will keep watch over myself and, most usefully, review each day. We become bad because none of us looks back over…
- Seneca I will not be embarrassed to borrow a fine saying from a poor writer.
- Seneca I will set sail unless anything happens to prevent me, I shall 279be praetor, if nothing hinders me, my financial…
- Seneca If you choose to have children, they may be handsome, or they may be deformed; perhaps they will be born dumb. One of…
- Seneca If you think fit, my Serenus, let us distinguish between injury and insult. The former is naturally the more grievous,…
- Seneca If you were to bring to me all the money from all our mines, which we are at this moment sinking, if you were to bring…
- Seneca In the city which possessed that most reverend tribunal, the Court of the Areopagus, which possessed a Senate, and a…
- Seneca In the same spirit in which we deal with boys, the wise man deals with all those whose childhood still endures after…
- Seneca In the same way cheerful pursuits soothe unhealthy minds. We must avoid law courts, pleadings, verdicts, and…
- Seneca In this very same instance I will give you an example of a good prince, which you may compare with a good father.
- Seneca Is it then desirable that the gods should show no mercy upon sins and mistakes, and that they should harshly pursue us…
- Seneca It accords with nature to love our friends and rejoice at their progress as though it were our own. Without this…
- Seneca It is above all things necessary to form a true estimate of oneself, because as a rule we think that we can do more…
- 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 hard, no doubt, for a mind which has received so rude a shock to betake itself so quickly to these livelier…
- Seneca It is, I repeat, the setting a great value on trifles that is the cause of your anger and madness. This 153man wanted…
- Seneca It is like a wild animal whose struggles only pull the noose by which it is caught tighter; or like birds who, while…
- Seneca It is like Homer’s Achilles, 258lying first upon its face, then upon its back, placing itself in various attitudes,…
- Seneca It is possible to discover certain inconsistencies in the definition which comes nearer the truth than all the rest,…
- Seneca It is shameful to hate him whom you praise: but how much more shameful is it to hate a man for something for which he…
- Seneca It is that of good parents, who sometimes scold their children goodnaturedly, sometimes threaten them, and sometimes…
- Seneca It is the privilege of a tranquil and peaceful mind to review all the parts of its life: but the minds of busy men are…
- Seneca It is, therefore, most commonly 419found in the worst people; there are old women and girls who are affected by the…
- 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 useful for a man to understand his disease, and to break its strength before it becomes developed. Let us see…
- Seneca It is when one passion overpowers another, and either fear or greed gets the upper hand for a while. On such…
- Seneca It is your trouble, Marcia, which has been dealt with here: it is beside your couch of mourning that Areus has been…
- Seneca It often condemns a man because it dislikes his patron; it loves and maintains error even when truth is staring it in…
- Seneca It ruins the soul to fear the future and suffer before suffering arrives. Longing to keep things forever steals the…
- Seneca It shames an older person to carry only borrowed learning in notebooks. What do you say? Take charge and leave…
- 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 Leisure without learning is death: a living person's grave.
- Seneca Let a man, then, obtain as many books as he wants, but none for show. “It is more respectable,” say you, “to spend…
- Seneca Let every effort aim at something and keep that purpose in sight. People are not troubled by activity itself, but by…
- Seneca Let every one, then, say to himself, whenever he is provoked, “Am I more powerful than Philip? yet he allowed a man to…
- Seneca Let Fate meet us ready and at work. Greatness belongs to the soul that yields to the world's order; weakness complains…
- Seneca Let no one take even one day from me unless the exchange is worth the cost.
- Seneca Let not his confidence be without knowledge, nor his knowledge without steadfastness: let him always abide by what he…
- Seneca Let not our ears be easily lent to calumnious talk: let us know and be on our guard against this fault of human…
- Seneca Let them no longer, then, join incongruous matters together, or connect pleasure with 218virtue, a mistake whereby…
- Seneca Let us decide by exact definition this other slippery matter, the true nature of pardon, and we shall then perceive…
- Seneca Let us look back upon our own youth, and think how often we then were too slothful in our duty, too impudent in our…
- Seneca Let us now enquire whether anger be in accordance with nature, and whether it be useful and worth entertaining in some…
- Seneca Let us now prove what we said before: nay, who will not think this proved if he bethinks himself how great a passion…
- Seneca Let us seek for some blessing, which does not merely look fine, but is sound and good throughout alike, and most…
- 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 inquire, not what is most commonly done, but what is best for us to do, and what will establish us in…
- Seneca Life has no sound direction, and misery has no end, when we allow fear to rule.
- Seneca Life's many hardships teach the lesson of silence.
- Seneca Many faults would be avoided if a respected witness stood beside us as we began to err. Let the soul keep an example…
- Seneca Men therefore love their own safety, when they draw up vast legions in battle on behalf of one man, when they rush to…
- Seneca Men who are in this condition are never allowed to come to themselves: if ever by chance they obtain any rest, they…
- Seneca Much peace comes from doing no wrong; the undisciplined live confused and troubled.
- Seneca Nature demands from us a certain amount of grief, our imagination adds some more to it; but I will never forbid you to…
- Seneca No creature is more self-willed, requires more careful management, or ought to be treated with greater indulgence than…
- Seneca No one therefore could console you as well as he: when he speaks his words have greater weight, as though they were…
- Seneca No vice begins without an excuse, and at first it is modest and easy to restrain. Left alone, it spreads. Every…
- Seneca Nothing, I think, is more admirable than that those who are in high places should pardon many shortcomings in others,…
- Seneca Nothing is more maddening than anger or more eager to display its force. When it succeeds it grows proud; when blocked…
- Seneca Nothing is sufficient for covetous desire, but Nature can be satisfied even with scant measure. The poverty of an…
- Seneca Nothing will happen that I cannot receive without bitterness. The burdens that provoke complaint are part of life's due.
- Seneca Now I will prove to you that I am not deserting the 242tenets of the Stoics: for they themselves have not deserted…
- Seneca Of all these propositions that which I have stated first appears the most difficult to prove. I mean, that the things…
- Seneca Of course it does, since Epicurus himself says that at times he would abandon pleasure and actually seek for pain, if…
- Seneca Peace of mind is won only by those with firm and steady judgment. Others keep rising and falling in their decisions,…
- Seneca Philosophy asks for a simple life, not a punishing one; simplicity need not be harsh or crude.
- Seneca Philosophy is no performance for display. It deals in deeds, orders the soul and life, directs action, and guides us…
- Seneca Philosophy used arrogantly and stubbornly ruins many. Let it remove your own faults, not become a weapon against the…
- Seneca Readiness to believe what we hear causes very great mischief; we ought often not even to listen, because in some cases…
- Seneca Show why the wise avoid drunkenness by its ugly results, not by speeches alone. Pleasures that exceed measure readily…
- 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 are brought into this condition by disease or bodily injury, others by hard work, long watching, nights of…
- Seneca Some are guided by reason, others must be confronted with authority and the names of celebrated persons, whose…
- Seneca Some crimes are of such a nature and bound by such conditions that the first part can take place without the second.…
- Seneca Some gifted minds grasp virtue quickly or generate it themselves. Others, dulled by poor habits, need persistent…
- Seneca Some have been led hither by friendship, some by industry, which finds here a wide field for the display of its…
- Seneca Some men’s leisure is busy: in their country house or on their couch, in complete solitude, even though they have…
- Seneca Some one who did not know Marcus Cato struck him in the public bath in his ignorance, for who would knowingly have…
- Seneca Some people, through too little effort rather than inconsistency, are so unsettled that they do not live as they wish;…
- Seneca Some qualities cannot be separated from some others: they cling together; are indivisible. Dull minds, tending to…
- Seneca Some stories may be so construed as to appear to be insults: wherefore it is best to put some aside, to laugh at…
- Seneca Some traces of these qualities exist even in them, though properly all of them, whether good or bad, belong to the…
- Seneca Sorrow is awkward at reviewing the position of affairs, at devising useful expedients, avoiding dangerous courses, and…
- Seneca Suppose that we are being punished; let us think not only of what we suffer, but of what we have done: let us sit in…
- Seneca Take unhurried walks outdoors, so the open air and deep breath may restore and feed the mind.
- Seneca Teach me to resemble Odysseus: to love home, spouse, and father, and after shipwreck still steer toward honorable ends.
- Seneca That we may avoid it, certain general rules of conduct which apply to all men’s lives must be impressed upon us. We…
- Seneca The cruelty even of private men has sometimes been revenged by their slaves in spite of the certainty that they will…
- Seneca The difference between it and irascibility is evident: it is the same as that between a drunken man and a drunkard;…
- Seneca The first of these I shall only touch upon lightly, for I know that your heart loves nothing belonging to your…
- Seneca The former will say to you, “In my talk I express the most admirable sentiments, yet I am still weltering amid…
- Seneca The foundations of new cities are laid, new names of nations arise, while the former ones die out, or become absorbed…
- Seneca The great Gaius Caesar, who proved such a merciful conqueror in the civil war, did the same thing; he burned a packet…
- Seneca The great Socrates would say the same thing to you. “Make me,” he would say, “the conqueror of all nations: let the…
- Seneca The greatest teachers divide philosophy into moral, natural, and rational study. Moral study orders the soul; natural…
- Seneca The happy man, therefore, is he who can make a right judgment in all things: he is happy who in his present…
- Seneca The higher region of the universe, being more excellently ordered and near to the stars, is never gathered into…
- Seneca The increase which disease produces in bodies swollen with morbid humours is not healthy growth, but bloated…
- Seneca The latter of these, whenever be 282appeared in public, used to weep, the former to laugh: the one thought all human…
- Seneca The leading man in the state, and one who, according to tradition, was noted among the ancient leaders of the state…
- Seneca The maker of the world gave us what is needed to live well, not to live lavishly. What serves us is close at hand;…
- Seneca The man did it because he was ordered to do it. Who but an unjust person can be angry with what is done under…
- Seneca The man understands something to have happened: he becomes indignant thereat: he condemns the deed; and he avenges it.…
- Seneca The only persons who are really at leisure are those who devote themselves to philosophy: and they alone really live:…
- Seneca The philosopher may own ample wealth, but will not own wealth that which has been torn from another, or which is…
- Seneca The rational soul's chronic diseases are hardened faults such as greed and ambition: they twist judgment until mildly…
- Seneca The same girl, who would have shrunk from the remedy if he had applied it openly, bore the pain because she did not…
- Seneca The seven wonders of the world, and any even greater wonders which the ambition of later ages has constructed, will be…
- Seneca The talk of these men is not dangerous, their friendship will not lead you to the scaffold, their society will not…
- Seneca The two sects of Epicureans and Stoics differ widely in most respects, and on this point among the rest, nevertheless,…
- Seneca The unlearned think that its opposite is strictness: but no virtue is the opposite of another virtue. What, then, is…
- Seneca The whole house mourned for the leisure of its old master, and did not lay aside its mourning until his work was…
- Seneca The wise man escapes all this, since he knows not what it is to live for hope or for fear. Add to this, that no one…
- Seneca The wise man knows that all those who strut about in purple-edged togas, healthy and embrowned, are brain-sick people,…
- Seneca The wise man will never cease to be angry, if he once begins, so full is every place of vices and crimes. More evil is…
- Seneca The wise person loses nothing, for all that is truly theirs is stored in themselves. Their goods rest in virtue,…
- Seneca The wrongs of the powerful must not only be borne, but borne with a cheerful countenance: they will repeat the wrong…
- Seneca There is a lesser form of injury, which we must complain of rather than avenge, which the laws also have considered…
- Seneca There is no reason why we should seek to defend such a passion as this or excuse its excesses by declaring it to be…
- Seneca These arms, which Aristotle assigns to virtue, fight of their own accord, do not wait to be seized by the hand, and…
- Seneca These should be regarded as examples to be avoided, and what I am about to relate, on the contrary, to be followed,…
- Seneca Think, moreover, how full of risk is the great task which you have undertaken: you have to deal with the human…
- 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 True happiness, therefore, consists in virtue: and what will this virtue bid you do? Not to think anything bad or good…
- Seneca Virtue is the sole good, and no secure good exists apart from it. Virtue belongs to our rational part: firm, truthful…
- Seneca Virtues do the same thing in the opposite direction, and improve all those with whom they are brought in contact: it…
- Seneca We are angry, either with those who can, or with those who cannot do us an injury. To the latter class belong some…
- Seneca We are born to a comfortable position enough, if we 324do not afterwards lose it: the aim of Nature has been to enable…
- Seneca We are infuriated at being reproved, either by reprimand or actual chastisement, although we are sinning at that very…
- Seneca We must limit the running to and fro which most men practise, rambling about houses, theatres, and market-places. They…
- Seneca What are we to say to the argument that, if anger were a good thing it would attach itself to all the best men? Yet…
- Seneca What, too, can be more unworthy of the wise man, than that his passions should depend upon the wickedness of others?…
- Seneca What use are countless books and libraries whose titles one lifetime cannot finish? A learner may be burdened rather…
- Seneca When great and kinglike riches fall into the hands of a bad master, they are dispersed straightway, but even a…
- Seneca When he asked for the watchword Gaius at one time gave him “Venus,” and at another “Priapus,” and by various means…
- Seneca When he was in the act of holding the doorpost and dedicating the Capitol the news of his son’s death was brought to…
- 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 When I return from seeing it I am a sadder, though not a worse man, I cannot walk amid my own paltry possessions with…
- Seneca When they are on a journey their baggage is cut down, whenever they are obliged to travel fast their train of…
- Seneca When you are especially enjoying yourself, be especially on your guard: when everything seems to you to be peaceful,…
- Seneca Whenever you are engaged in other pursuits your mind will be relieved from its burden: at present you keep watch over…
- Seneca Which will he go to meet first? which part of the universal conspiracy will he first oppose? His victory will drag him…
- Seneca Whoever uses philosophy to heal the self becomes high-minded, confident, and hard to defeat; their stature grows as…
- Seneca Why, though you are hardly aware of it, is there not a whirling hurricane at this moment spinning round and confusing…
- Seneca Will any one give this passion as an assistant and companion to virtue, although it disturbs calm reason, without…
- Seneca Will you follow your predecessors? Certainly—but if I discover a path shorter and smoother, I will make use of it.…
- Seneca With them you may class men whose dull nature and want of self-knowledge reduces them to the level of cattle, mere…
- Seneca Work through your troubles: difficult times can be eased, narrow passages opened, and heavy burdens lightened by…
- Seneca Wrongdoing often comes back upon the one who taught it.
- Seneca You 158should approach him in different ways and in a compliant fashion, unless perchance you be so great a personage…
- Seneca You are as yet only in the first stage of error, and do not go wrong seriously, although you do so often: then I will…
- Seneca You cannot even say that you have been specially marked by the gods for misfortune because you have had no pleasure in…
- Seneca You do not afford virtue a solid immoveable base if you bid it stand on what is unsteady: and what can be so unsteady…
- Seneca You do not shine outwardly, all your good qualities are turned inwards; even so does the world neglect what lies…
- Seneca You enviously compare the glories of others with your own dirty actions, and do not understand how greatly to your…
- 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 entered the arena of the Olympic games, but no one 11else has done so: you have the crown, but not the…
- Seneca You have seen your friend in a rage with the porter of some lawyer or rich man, because he has sent him back when…
- Seneca You know the taste of wine and spirits. Whether hundreds or thousands of bottles pass through you, you are only a…
- 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 be sure that one who showed such boldness as a child would end by becoming a great pest both in public and in…
- 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 decide whether your disposition is better suited for vigorous action or for tranquil speculation and…
- 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 purposely misunderstand what I say,” says he, “for I too say that no one can live pleasantly unless he lives…
- Seneca You say, 'I am in terrible pain.' Does bearing it badly lessen the pain at all?
- Seneca You say that the wise man is not mad, yet you admit that he sometimes loses his reason, talks nonsense, and is driven…
- Seneca You say, that you do not believe that any one was ever scared out of anger by a mirror: and why not? Because when he…
- Seneca You will find that the most powerful and highly-placed men let fall phrases in which they long for leisure, praise it,…
- Seneca You will more easily correct the men themselves by a slight punishment, for he who has some part of his fortune…
- Seneca You will see that men are subject to the same influences as dumb animals: we are put out by trumpery, futile matters.…
- Seneca Your father sewed up more parricides in sacks during five years, than we hear of in all previous centuries. As long as…
- Seneca Your great-great-grandfather spared the vanquished: for whom could he have ruled over, had he not spared them? He…
- Zeno Better to stumble on your feet than to stumble with your speech.