Men of sense often learn from their enemies. It is from their foes, not their friends, that cities learn the lesson of building high walls and ships of war.
Even if you persuade me, you won’t persuade me.
Thou shouldst not decide until thou hast heard what both have to say.
Wise people, even though all laws were abolished, would still lead the same life.
When men drink wine they are rich, they are busy, they push lawsuits, they are happy, they are friends.
Look at the orators in our republics; as long as they are poor, both state and people can only praise their uprightness; but once they are fattened on the public funds, they conceive a hatred for justice, plan intrigues against the people and attack the democracy.