Excess generally causes reaction, and produces a change in the opposite direction, whether it be in the seasons, or in individuals, or in governments.

Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depends on simplicity.

Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.

In particular I may mention Sophocles the poet, who was once asked in my presence, ''How do you feel about love, Sophocles? are you still capable of it?'' to which he replied, ''Hush! if you please: to my great delight I have escaped from it, and feel as if I had escaped from a frantic and savage master.'' I thought then, as I do now, that he spoke wisely. For unquestionably old age brings us profound repose and freedom from this and other passions.

Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.

He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition youth and age are equally a burden.

Old age has a great sense of calm and freedom. When the passions have relaxed their hold and have escaped, not from one master, but from many.

The first and the best victory is to conquer self.

Attention to health is life greatest hindrance.

There are three classes of men; lovers of wisdom, lovers of honor, and lovers of gain.