Quotes about Philosophy

I was not; I have been; I am not; I do not mind.

So death, the most terrifying of ills, is nothing to us, since so long as we exist, death is not with us; but when death comes, then we do not exist. It does not then concern either the living or the dead, since for the former it is not, and the latter are no more.

It is not the pretended but the real pursuit of philosophy that is needed for we do not need the appearance of good health but to enjoy it in truth.

if a person fights the clear evidence of his senses he will never be able to share in genuine tranquillity

Men inflict injuries from hatred, jealousy or contempt, but the wise man masters all these passions by means of reason.

With the Epicureans it was never science for the sake of science but always science for the sake of human happiness.

We must free ourselves from the prison of everyday affairs and politics.

If you wish to make Pythocles wealthy, don't give him more money; rather, reduce his desires.

We must laugh and philosophize and manage our households and look after our other affairs all at the same time, and never stop proclaiming the words of the true philosophy.

It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly, and it is impossible to live wisely and well and justly without living pleasantly.

One who understands the limits of the good life knows that what eliminates the pains brought on by need and what makes the whole of life perfect is easily obtained, so that there is no need for enterprises that entail the struggle for success.19

Why should I fear death If I am, Death is not If death is, I am not Why should I fear that which could not exist when I do?