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.

Men become richer not only by increasing their existing wealth but also by decreasing their expenditure.

Youth should stay away from all evil, especially things that produce wickedness and ill-will.

[Hope is] the dream of a waking man.

Where perception is, there also are pain and pleasure, and where these are, there, of necessity, is desire.

If happiness, then, is activity expressing virtue, it is reasonable for it to express the supreme virtue, which will be the virtueof the best thing.

The truly good and wise man will bear all kinds of fortune in a seemly way, and will always act in the noblest manner that the circumstances allow.