It is easier to grow in dignity than to make a start.
It is the practice of the multitude to bark at eminent men, as little dogs do at strangers.
The voice of flattery affects us after it has ceased, just as after a concert men find some agreeable air ringing in their ears to the exclusion of all serious business.
A great step toward independence is a good-humoured stomach.
Let the man, who would be grateful, think of repaying a kindness, even while receiving it.
The fearful face usually betrays great guilt.
He is not guilty who is not guilty of his own free will.
Tis not the belly’s hunger that costs so much, but its pride.
He is ungrateful who denies that he has received a kindness which has been bestowed upon him; he is ungrateful who conceals it; he is ungrateful who makes no return for it; most ungrateful of all is he who forgets it.
What narrow innocence it is for one to be good only according to the law.
What is more insane than to vent on senseless things the anger that is felt towards men?
No man can live happily who regards himself alone, who turns everything to his own advantage. Thou must live for another, if thou wishest to live for thyself.
We have lost morals, justice, honor, piety and faith, and that sense of shame which, once lost, can never be restored.
No choice maxims – we Stoics don’t practice that kind of window dressing.
Mercy often inflicts death.
The wretched hasten to hear of their own miseries.
There in no one more unfortunate than the man who has never been unfortunate. for it has never been in his power to try himself.
To the believers it is true. To the wise it is false. To the leaders it is useful.
Everything may happen.
There are a few men whom slavery holds fast, but there are many more who hold fast to slavery.