Quotes from Letters to Lucilius

Seneca's 124 letters to his friend Lucilius, written in the last years of his life (around AD 62–65). Part philosophy course, part intimate correspondence, they cover time, death, anger, wealth and how to spend a day — and remain the most readable door into Stoicism. Below: the 12 quotes in the QuotePlace collection that are verifiably from this work, each marked 'Source verified' on its own page.

Associate with people who are likely to improve you. — Seneca
Associate with people who are likely to improve you.
Seneca
We suffer more often in imagination than in reality. — Seneca
We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.
Seneca
He suffers more than necessary, who suffers before it is necessary. — Seneca
He suffers more than necessary, who suffers before it is necessary.
Seneca
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. — Seneca
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.
Seneca
Fate leads the willing and drags along the reluctant. — Seneca
Fate leads the willing and drags along the reluctant.
Seneca
The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity. — Seneca
The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity.
Seneca
If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable. — Seneca
If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.
Seneca
We suffer more in imagination than in reality. — Seneca
We suffer more in imagination than in reality.
Seneca
As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, that matters. — Seneca
As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, that matters.
Seneca
It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor. — Seneca
It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.
Seneca
Explore more: All Seneca quotes · Meditations · Tao Te Ching · Illusions · The Analects · The Prophet · Think and Grow Rich · The Art of War · Dhammapada · Enchiridion · Did they really say it?