He who reflects on another man’s want of breeding, shows he wants it as much himself.
Valour, however unfortunate, commands great respect even from enemies: but the Romans despise cowardice, even though it be prosperous.
It is not reasonable that he who does not shoot should hit the mark, nor that he who does not stand fast at his post should win the day, or that the helpless man should succeed or the coward prosper.
What, did you not know, then, that to-day Lucullus dines with Lucullus?
When malice is joined to envy, there is given forth poisonous and feculent matter, as ink from the cuttle-fish.
The human heart becomes softened by hearing of instances of gentleness and consideration.
The present offers itself to our touch for only an instant of time and then eludes the senses.
Let a prince be guarded with soldiers, attended by councillors, and shut up in forts; yet if his thoughts disturb him, he is miserable.
Themistocles replied that a man’s discourse was like to a rich Persian carpet, the beautiful figures and patterns of which can only be shown by spreading and extending it out; when it is contracted and folded up, they are obscured and lost.
To conduct great matters and never commit a fault is above the force of human nature.
God is the brave man’s hope, and not the coward’s excuse.
Knowledge of divine things for the most part, as Heraclitus says, is lost to us by incredulity.
Zeno first started that doctrine, that knavery is the best defence against a knave.
Grief is like a physical pain which must be allowed to subside somewhat on its own before medical treatment is applied.
The drop hollows out the stone not by strength, but by constant falling.
The generous mind adds dignity to every act, and nothing misbecomes it.
Nothing exists in the intellect that has not first gone through the senses.
Ease and speed in doing a thing do not give the work lasting solidity or exactness of beauty.
There is never the body of a man, how strong and stout soever, if it be troubled and inflamed, but will take more harm and offense by wine being poured into it.
Grief is natural; the absence of all feeling is undesirable, but moderation in grief should be observed, as in the face of all good or evil.