Seneca the Younger Quotes
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No one can be despised by another until he has learned to despise himself.
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The body is not a permanent dwelling, but a sort of inn which is to be left behind when one perceives that one is a burden to the host.
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The philosopher: he alone knows how to live for himself. He is the one, in fact, who knows the fundamental thing: how to live.
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Human nature is so constituted that insults sink deeper than kindnesses; the remembrance of the latter soon passes away, while that of the former is treasured in the memory.
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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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Remember, not one penny can we take with us into the unknown land.
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There is nothing the busy man is less busied with than living; there is nothing harder to learn.
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Make haste to live, and consider each day a life.
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He invites the commission of a crime who does not forbid it, when it is in his power to do so.
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We should live as if we were in public view, and think, too, as if someone could peer into the inmost recesses of our hearts-which someone can!
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Necessity is stronger than duty.
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Resistance to oppression is second nature.
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No tree becomes rooted and sturdy unless many a wind assails it. For by its very tossing it tightens its grip and plants its roots more securely; the fragile trees are those that have grown in a sunny valley.
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Philosophy is the art and law of life, and it teaches us what to do in all cases, and, like good marksmen, to hit the white at any distance.
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Prosperity asks for fidelity; adversity exacts it.
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If ever you come upon a grove of ancient trees which have grown to an exceptional height, shutting out a view of sky by a veil of pleached and intertwining branches, then the loftiness of the forest, the seclusion of the spot and your marvel at the thick unbroken shade in the midst of the open spaces, will prove to you the presence of deity.
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If you don't know, ask. You will be a fool for the moment, but a wise man for the rest of your life.
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For men in a state of freedom had thatch for their shelter, while slavery dwells beneath marble and gold.
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During difficult times and after mistakes and failures it is helpful to remember ... Oftentimes calamity turns to our advantage and great ruins make way for greater glories.
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Long is the road to learning by precepts, but short and successful by examples.
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Democracy is more cruel than wars or tyrants.
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The chief bond of the soldier is his oath of allegiance and love for the flag.
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Let him that hath done the good office conceal it; let him that received it disclose it.
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Let wickedness escape as it may at the bar, it never fails of doing justice upon itself; for every guilty person is his own hangman.