Guard yourself against accusations, even if they are false; for the multitude are ignorant of the truth and look only to reputation.
IsocratesIt is not fitting that the evil produced by men should be imputed to things; let those bear the blame who make an ill use of things in themselves good.
IsocratesAlways when you are about to say anything, first weigh it in your mind; for with many the tongue outruns the thought.
IsocratesConduct yourself towards your parents as you would have your children conduct themselves towards you.
IsocratesSpend your leisure time in cultivating an ear attentive to discourse, for in this way you will find that you learn with ease what others have found out with difficulty.
IsocratesAnd let no one suppose that I claim that just living can be taught for, in a word, I hold that there does not exist an art of the kind which can implant sobriety and justice into depraved natures. Nevertheless, I do think that the study of political discourse can help more than any other thing to stimulate and form such qualities of character
Isocrates