The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.
The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life – knowing that under certain conditions it is not worthwhile to live.
Man is a goal-seeking animal. His life only has meaning if he is reaching out and striving for his goals.
The physician himself, if sick, actually calls in another physician, knowing that he cannot reason correctly if required to judge his own condition while suffering.
With respect to the requirement of art, the probable impossible is always preferable to the improbable possible.
If happiness is activity in accordance with excellence, it is reasonable that it should be in accordance with the highest excellence.
It is their character indeed that makes people who they are. But it is by reason of their actions that they are happy or the reverse.
If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development.
How many a dispute could have been deflated into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared to define their terms.
Suppose, then, that all men were sick or deranged, save one or two of them who were healthy and of right mind. It would then be the latter two who would be thought to be sick and deranged and the former not!
The only stable state is the one in which all men are equal before the law.
It is not once nor twice but times without number that the same ideas make their appearance in the world.
A common danger unites even the bitterest enemies.
The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.
What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.
Art takes nature as its model.
If some animals are good at hunting and others are suitable for hunting, then the Gods must clearly smile on hunting.
Quality is not an act, it is a habit.
All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.
Wonder implies the desire to learn.