For we have frequent need of the general view, but not so often of the detailed exposition. Indeed it is necessary to go back on the main principles, and constantly to fix in one's memory enough to give one the most essential comprehension of the truth. And in fact the accurate knowledge of details will be fully discovered, if the general principles in the various departments are thoroughly grasped and borne in mind; for even in the case of one fully initiated the most essential feature in all accurate knowledge is the capacity to make a rapid use of observation and mental apprehension, and this can be done if everything is summed up in elementary principles and formulae.

What is the first business of the philosopher? To cast away conceit: for it is impossible for a man to begin learning what he thinks he knows.

The man who says that all things come to pass by necessity cannot criticize one who says that all things do not come to pass by necessity: for he admits that this too happens of necessity.

Forgetting the good that has been he has become old this very day.

All friendship is desirable in itself, though it starts from the need of help.

We should not spoil what we have by desiring what we have not, but remember what we have too was the gift of fortune.

He is a little man in all respects who has many good reasons for quitting life.

It is vain to ask of the gods what a man is capable of supplying for himself.

Nothing is sufficient for him to whom what is sufficient seems little.

Let nothing be done in your life, which will cause you fear if it becomes known to your neighbour.

Every desire must be confronted with this question: what will happen to me if the object of my desire is accomplished and what if it is not?

The greatest fruit of self-sufficiency is freedom.

The man who is serene causes no disturbance to himself or to another.