And in the case of superior things like stars, we discover a kind of unity in separation. The higher we rise on the scale of being, the easier it is to discern a connection even among things separated by vast distances.

There is nothing more shameful than perfidious friendship.

Casting therefore all other things aside, keep thyself to these few, and remember withal that no man properly can be said to live more than that which is now present, which is but a moment of time.

Nothing happens to anybody which he is not fitted by nature to bear.

And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last.

Look at the past—empire succeeding empire—and from that, extrapolate the future: the same thing. No escape from the rhythm of events. Which is why observing life for forty years is as good as a thousand. Would you really see anything new?

Death smiles at us all, but all a man can do is smile back.