Those who are guided by reason are generally successful in their plans; those who are rash and precipitate seldom enjoy the favour of the gods.

But if you know that you are a man too, and that even such are those that rule, learn this first of all: that all human affairs are a wheel which, as it turns, does not allow the same men always to be fortunate.

Not snow, no, nor rain, nor heat, nor night keeps them from accomplishing their appointed courses with all speed.

It is clear that not in one thing alone, but in many ways equality and freedom of speech are a good thing.

All of life is action and passion, and not to be involved in the actions and passions of your time is to risk having not really lived at all.

Although extraordinary valor was displayed by the entire corps of Spartans and Thespians, yet bravest of all was declared the Spartan Dienekes. It is said that on the eve of battle, he was told by a native of Trachis that the Persian archers were so numerous that, their arrows would block out the sun. Dienekes, however, undaunted by this prospect, remarked with a laugh, 'Good. Then we will fight in the shade.

The most hateful human misfortune is for a wise man to have no influence.