A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.

What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.

To run away from trouble is a form of cowardice and, while it is true that the suicide braves death, he does it not for some noble object but to escape some ill.

The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.

The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living from the dead.

Jealousy is both reasonable and belongs to reasonable men, while envy is base and belongs to the base, for the one makes himself get good things by jealousy, while the other does not allow his neighbour to have them through envy.

Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.

The secret to humor is surprise.

Hope is a waking dream.

The law is reason, free from passion.

Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach.

Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.

Personal beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of reference.

The soul never thinks without a picture.

He who is unable to live in society, or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must be either a beast or a god.

Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.

Happiness depends upon ourselves.

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

There is no great genius without some touch of madness.