Epicurus

"A friend is your second self; therefore, we should choose friends carefully and keep them dearly."

"Science freed us from the bondage of superstition; use it wisely lest it become a new master."

"We must learn to distinguish between necessary desires and those empty desires that disturb our peace."

"The mark of a good life is not in the length of years, but in the richness of days."

"Imagination without knowledge leads to fear; knowledge without imagination leads to dullness."

"Change is not to be feared if it leads to greater tranquility and reduced pain."

"Leadership is not about commanding others, but about showing them the way to their own happiness."

"A family is a sanctuary only when it respects the autonomy and happiness of each member."

"Solitude is a gift; those who cannot enjoy it are enslaved by the company of others."

"The truly cultivated mind finds joy not in rare things, but in the appreciation of what is at hand."

"War arises from false desires and unnecessary fears; it is the enemy of all philosophy."

"Political systems should serve the happiness of the people; if they do not, they deserve no loyalty."

"The persecution of philosophy often reveals the weakness of those in power."

"To overcome fear, we must study its causes; most are imaginary, born of ignorance."

"A mind that questions everything is a mind that is finally free."

"The poor man who is content possesses more wealth than the rich man who always desires."

"The stomach, when not excessive, asks for little; the palate asks for much."

"Fear of the gods and fear of death are the two great disturbers of human peace."

"We should not pretend to study philosophy, but study it in reality."

"The flesh cries out, the flesh demands satisfaction, yet the wise know restraint brings greater joy."

"Friendship demands the greatest trust and loyalty, for without these bonds we are truly alone."

"The pursuit of unnecessary desires is like chasing shadows that flee from our grasp."

"Death is nothing to fear, for when we exist, death is not present, and when death is present, we do not exist."

"Those who possess wealth yet live in constant fear possess nothing of true value."

"The natural desire for food and drink keeps us alive; all else beyond this is indulgence."

"One cannot live pleasantly without living wisely and honorably and justly."

"The highest pleasure lies in the absence of pain, both of body and mind."

"We should seek friends not for utility, but for the joy of their companionship."

"Knowledge of natural philosophy frees us from the tyranny of superstition."

"The wise person will not dread the inevitable, but will live each moment with awareness."