Do not trouble about those who practice philosophy, whether they are good or bad; but examine the thing itself well and carefully. And if philosophy appears a bad thing to you, turn every man from it, not only your sons; but if it appears to you such as I think it to be, take courage, pursue it, and practice it, as the saying is, ‘both you and your house.
Ordinary people seem not to realize that those who really apply themselves in the right way to philosophy are directly and of their own accord preparing themselves for dying and death.
My advice to you is get married: if you find a good wife you’ll be happy; if not, you’ll become a philosopher.
No evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death. He and his are not neglected by the gods.
True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.
The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our separate ways, I to die, and you to live. Which of these two is better only God knows.
Mankind is made of two kinds of people: wise people who know they’re fools, and fools who think they are wise.
The greatest blessing granted to mankind come by way of madness, which is a divine gift.
Be of good cheer about death, and know this of a truth, that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.
Are you not ashamed of caring so much for the making of money and for fame and prestige, when you neither think nor care about wisdom and truth and the improvement of your soul?
Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.