We love ourselves notwithstanding our faults, and we ought to love our friends in like manner.

A man's enjoyment of all good things is in exact proportion to the pains he has undergone to gain them.

All men have their frailties; and whoever looks for a friend without imperfections, will never find what he seeks.

Whenever you can, act as a liberator. Freedom, dignity, wealth - these three together constitute the greatest happiness of humanity. If you bequeath all three to your people, their love for you will never die.

O 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.

Diversity in counsel, unity in command.

Even if the skies were shorter than my knees, I would not kneel.