Those who are skilled in archery bend their bow only when they are preparing to use it; when they do not require it, they allow it to remain unbent, for otherwise it would remain unserviceable when the time for using it arrived. So it is with man. If he were to devote himself unceasingly to a dull round of business, without breaking the monotony by cheerful amusements, he would fall imperceptibly into idiocy, or be struck by paralysis

The Lacedaemonians fought a memorable battle; they made it quite clear that they were the experts, and that they were fighting against amateurs.

Adversity has the effect of drawing out strength and qualities of a man that would have laid dormant in its absence.

A general curiosity about the unknown sparked by the multicultural milieu in which I spent my formative years. There was a lot of unknown back then, too. I dare say it was easier to be an explorer then.

To think well and to consent to obey someone giving good advice are the same thing.

He is the best man who, when making his plans, fears and reflects on everything that can happen to him, but in the moment of action is bold.

For as the body grows old, so the wits grow old and become blind towards all things alike.