Seneca Quotes

It is often better not to see an insult than to avenge it.

It is the sign of a weak mind to be unable to bear wealth.

Behold a worthy sight, to which the God, turning his attention to his own work, may direct his gaze. Behold an equal thing, worthy of a God, a brave man matched in conflict with evil fortune.

Real improvement is of slow growth only.

Epileptics know by signs when attacks are imminent and take precautions accordingly; we must do the same in regard to anger

Some cures are worse than the dangers they combat.

It is impossible to imagine anything which better becomes a ruler than mercy.

A benefit consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.

So live with men as if God saw you and speak to God, as if men heard you.

Poverty wants some, luxury many, and avarice all things.

There is nothing which persevering effort and unceasing and diligent care cannot accomplish.

The comfort of having a friend may be taken away, but not that of having had one.

The mind, unless it is pure and holy, cannot see God.

Ignorance is the cause of fear.

Expediency often silences justice.

He is not guilty who is not guilty of his own free will.

The voice is nothing but beaten air.

Persistent kindness conquers the ill-disposed.

He who would do great things should not attempt them all alone.

He, who will not pardon others, must not himself expect pardon.

For men in a state of freedom had thatch for their shelter, while slavery dwells beneath marble and gold.

If God adds another day to our life, let us receive it gladly.

It's the admirer and the watcher who provoke us to all the inanities we commit.

Nature ever provides for her own exigencies.

Those vices [luxury and neglect of decent manners] are vices of men, not of the times. [Lat., Hominum sunt ista [vitia], non temporum.

The first proof of a well-ordered mind is to be able to pause and linger within itself.

The part of life which we really live is short.

Throughout the whole of life one must continue to learn to live and what will amaze you even more, throughout life you must learn to die. Seneca (Roman philosopher)

What-so-ever the mind has ordained for itself, it has achieved

Let us say what we feel, and feel what we say; let speech harmonize with life.

Wisdom teaches us to do, as well as to talk; and to make our words and actions all of a colour.

The great pilot can sail even when his canvass is rent.

Speech is the mirror of the mind.

Let no man give advice to others that he has not first given himself.

This body is not a home, but an inn; and that only for a short time.

A troubled countenance oft discloses much.

There is nothing the busy man is less busied with than living; there is nothing harder to learn.

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.

Whatsoever has exceeded its proper limit is in an unstable position.

What else is nature but God?

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.

To be feared is to fear. No one has been able to strike terror into others and at the same time enjoy peace of mind.

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.

Pleasure dies at the very moment when it charms us most.

Let ease and rest at times be given to the weary.

The great blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach; but we shut our eyes, and, like people in the dark, we fall foul upon the very thing we search for, without finding it.

What nature requires is obtainable, and within easy reach. It is for the superfluous we sweat.

A happy life is one which is in accordance with its own nature.

The sun also shines on the wicked.

He who has great power should use it lightly.