All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.

Adventure is worthwhile.

Whatsoever that be within us that feels, thinks, desires, and animates, is something celestial, divine, and, consequently, imperishable.

[I]t is rather the case that we desire something because we believe it to be good than that we believe a thing to be good because we desire it. It is the thought that starts things off.

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.

Republics decline into democracies and democracies degenerate into despotisms.

And yet the true creator is necessity, which is the mother of invention.