Epicurus on a life of reason, nature, and withdrawal

“The simplest means of procuring protection from other men (which is gained to a certain extent by deterrent force) is the security of quiet solitude and withdrawal from the mass of people. …

Nature’s wealth is restricted and easily won, while that of empty convention runs on to infinity. …

Bad luck strikes the sophisticated man in a few cases, but reason has directed the big, essential things, and for the duration of life it is and will be the guide.”

(Leading Doctrines, 14, 15, and 16)