By Hercules! I prefer to err with Plato, whom I know how much you value, than to be right in the company of such men.
To err is human, but to persevere in error is only the act of a fool.
Men think they may justly do that for which they have a precedent.
A man does not wonder at what he sees frequently, even though he be ignorant of the reason. If anything happens which he has not seen before, he calls it a prodigy.
Men ought to be most annoyed by the sufferings which come from their own faults.
It is fortune, not wisdom, that rules man’s life.
Ye immortal gods! where in the world are we?
From all sides there is equally a way to the lower world.
There is no praise in being upright, where no one can, or tries to corrupt you.
For every man’s nature is concealed with many folds of disguise, and covered as it were with various veils. His brows, his eyes, and very often his countenance, are deceitful, and his speech is most commonly a lie.
The most desirable thing in life after health and modest means is leisure with dignity.
The precept, “Know yourself,” was not solely intended to obviate the pride of mankind; but likewise that we might understand our own worth.
Because all the sick do not recover, therefore medicine is not an art.
He who obeys with modesty appears worthy of being some day a commander.
But in every matter the consensus of opinion among all nations is to be regarded as the law of nature.
For to me every sort of peace with the citizens seemed to be of more service than civil war.
Prudence is the knowledge of things to be sought, and those to be shunned.
Secret enmities are more to be feared than open ones.
He is sometimes slave who should be master; and sometimes master who should be slave.
Without your knowledge, the eyes and ears of many will see and watch you, as they have done already.