Letter 12 XII. On Old Age 1. Wherever I turn, I see evidences of my advancing years . I visited lately my country-place, and protested against the money which was spent on the tumble-down building. My bailiff maintained that the flaws were not due to his own carelessness: “ he was doing everything possible, but the house was old. ”

Letter 13 XIII. On Groundless Fears 1. I know that you have plenty of spirit; for even before you began to equip yourself with maxims which were wholesome and potent to overcome obstacles, you were taking pride in your contest with Fortune; and this is all the more true, now that you have grappled with Fortune and tested your powers.

Letter 14 XIV. On the Reasons for Withdrawing from the World 1. I confess that we all have an inborn affection for our body ; I confess that we are entrusted with its guardianship. I do not maintain that the body is not to be indulged at all; but I maintain that we must not be slaves to it .

Letter 15 XV. On Brawn and Brains 1. The old Romans had a custom which survived even into my lifetime. They would add to the opening words of a letter: “ If you are well, it is well; I also am well. ” Persons like ourselves would do well to say: “ If you are studying philosophy, it is well.

Letter 16 XVI. On Philosophy, the Guide of Life 1. It is clear to you, I am sure, Lucilius, that no man can live a happy life, or even a supportable life, without the study of wisdom ; you know also that a happy life is reached when our wisdom is brought to completion , but that life is at

Letter 17 XVII. On Philosophy and Riches 1. Cast away everything of that sort, if you are wise; nay, rather that you may be wise; strive toward a sound mind at top speed and with your whole strength. If any bond holds you back, untie it, or sever it. “ But ,” you say, “ my estate delays me; I

Letter 18 XVIII. On Festivals and Fasting 1. It is the month of December, and yet the city is at this very moment in a sweat. License is given to the general merrymaking. Everything resounds with mighty preparations, – as if the Saturnalia differed at all from the usual business day! So true it is that the difference is nil,

Letter 19 XIX. On Worldliness and Retirement 1. I leap for joy whenever I receive letters from you. For they fill me with hope; they are now not mere assurances concerning you, but guarantees. And I beg and pray you to proceed in this course; for what better request could I make of a friend than one which is to

Letter 20 XX. On Practising what you Preach 1. If you are in good health and if you think yourself worthy of becoming at last your own master, I am glad. For, the credit will be mine, if I can drag you from the floods in which you are being buffeted without hope of emerging. This, however, my dear Lucilius,