We love ourselves notwithstanding our faults, and we ought to love our friends in like manner.
Cyrus the GreatDo not suppose, my dearest sons, that when I have left you I shall be nowhere and no one. Even when I was with you, you did not see my soul, but knew that it was in this body of mine from what I did. Believe then that it is still the same, even though you see it not.
Cyrus the GreatIn my experience, men who respond to good fortune with modesty and kindness are harder to find than those who face adversity with courage.
Cyrus the GreatO man, whoever you are and wherever you come from, for I know you will come, I am Cyrus who won the Persians their empire. Do not therefore begrudge me this bit of earth that covers my bones.
Cyrus the GreatSuccess always calls for greater generosity - though most people, lost in the darkness of their own egos, treat it as an occasion for greater greed. Collecting boot is not an end itself, but only a means for building an empire. Riches would be of little use to us now - except as a means of winning new friends.
Cyrus the Great