What good are gilded rooms or precious stones-fitted on the floor, inlaid in the walls, carried from great distances at the greatest expense? These things are pointless and unnecessary-without them isn’t it possible to live healthy? Aren’t they the source of constant trouble? Don’t they cost vast sums of money that, through public and private charity, may have benefited many?

More quotes by Gaius Musonius Rufus

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"Wealth is able to buy the pleasures of eating, drinking and other sensual pursuits-yet can never afford a cheerful spirit or freedom from sorrow."

- Gaius Musonius Rufus

Happiness

"Husband and wife should come together to craft a shared life, procreating children, seeing all things as shared between them-with nothing withheld or private to one another-not even their bodies."

- Gaius Musonius Rufus

Relationships

"The soul is trained for courage when we show patience under hardships."

- Gaius Musonius Rufus

Courage

"It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows."

- Gaius Musonius Rufus

Learning

"You will earn the respect of all if you begin by earning the respect of yourself. Don’t expect to encourage good deeds in people conscious of your own misdeeds."

- Gaius Musonius Rufus

Self-confidence

More Simplicity Quotes

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"Simplicity is the easiest path to true beauty."

- Seishuu Handa

Simplicity

"La vida es simple, pero insistimos en hacerla complicada."

- Confucio

Simplicity

"Less is more."

- Rone

Simplicity

"I’ve spent my life trying to make things simpler. Because I find ultimately that complicated doesn’t reach the heart."

- Hans Zimmer

Simplicity

"Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough."

- Charles Warner

Simplicity