Seneca the Younger Quotes
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How great would be our peril if our slaves began to number us!
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It is man's duty to live in conformity with the divine will, and this means, firstly, bringing his life into line with 'nature's laws', and secondly, resigning himself completely and uncomplainingly to whatever fate may send him. Only by living thus, and not setting too high a value on things which can at any moment be taken away from him, can he discover that true, unshakeable peace and contentment to which ambition, luxury and above all avarice are among the greatest obstacles.
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Let us fight the battle-retreat from the things that attract us and rouse ourselves to meet the things that actually attack us.
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The way to good conduct is never too late.
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Some cures are worse than the dangers they combat.
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You cannot escape necessities, but you can overcome them.
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Life is most delightful on the downward slope.
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I am like a book, with pages that have stuck together for want of use: my mind needs unpacking and the truths stored within must be turned over from time to time, to be ready when occasion demands.
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What a vile and abject thing is man if he do not raise himself above humanity.
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There are no greater wretches in the world than many of those whom people in general take to be happy.
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The sun shines even on the wicked.
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How much better to pursue a straight course and eventually reach that destination where the things that are pleasant are the things that are honorable finally become, for you, the same.
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Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember.
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I don’t mind citing a bad author if the line is good.
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True love can fear no one.
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If you wish another to keep your secret, first keep it to yourself.
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The first petition that we are to make to Almighty God is for a good conscience, the next for health of mind, and then of body.
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God never repents of what He has first resolved upon.
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It is sweet to mingle tears with tears; Griefs, where they wound in solitude, Wound more deeply.
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The whole duty of man is embraced in the two principles of abstinence and patience: temperance in prosperity, and patient courage in adversity.
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He worships God who knows him.
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There is no greater punishment of wickedness that that it is dissatisfied with itself and its deeds.
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True joy is a serene and sober motion; and they are miserably out so that take laughing for rejoicing; the seat of it is within, and there is no cheerfulness like the resolutions of a brave mind.
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I require myself not to be equal to the best, but to be better then the bad.