Letters From A Stoic: Epistulae Morales AD Lucilium (Illustrated. Newly revised text. Includes Image Gallery + Audio): All Three Volumes

While we are postponing, life speeds by.

There is an element of self-seeking even in our sorrow.

And finally, the wise man regards the reason for all his actions, but not the results. The beginning is in our own power; fortune decides the issue, but I do not allow her to pass sentence upon myself. You may say: "But she can inflict a measure of suffering and of trouble." The highwayman does not pass sentence when he slays. Now

is hard to observe a mean; we must be chary of letting the fear of jealousy lead us into becoming objects of scorn, lest, when we choose not to stamp others down, we let them think that they can stamp us down. The power to inspire fear has caused many men to be in fear.

What man can you show me who places any value on his time, who reckons the worth of each day, who understands that he is dying daily? For we are mistaken when we look forward to death; the major portion of death has already passed. Whatever years be behind us are in death's hands.

no shock of terror to the eye or to the ear. The other kind of evil comes, so to speak, in the form of a huge parade.

Virtue is held too cheap by the man who counts his body too dear. We should cherish the body with the greatest care;

presently that brow of yours will be smoothed

Again, let us possess nothing that can be snatched from us to the great profit of a plotting foe.