No pleasure is evil in itself; but the means by which certain pleasures are gained bring pains many times greater than the pleasures.

Natural wealth is limited and easily obtained; the wealth defined by vain fancies is always beyond reach.

Most men are in a coma when they are at rest and mad when they act.

The misfortune of the wise is better than the prosperity of the fool.

In a philosophical dispute, he gains most who is defeated, since he learns most.

As if they were our own handiwork, we place a high value on our characters.

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things only hoped for.

Death, the most dreaded of evils, is therefore of no concern to us; for while we exist death is not present, and when death is present we no longer exist.

It is possible to provide security against other ills, but as far as death is concerned, we men all live in a city without walls.

Those desires that do not bring pain if they are not satisfied are not necessary; and they are easily thrust aside whenever to satisfy them appears difficult or likely to cause injury.