Let there be but two occasions for speech - when the subject is one which you thoroughly know and when it is one on which you are compelled to speak. On these occasions alone is speech better than silence; on all others, it is better to be silent than to speak.

Guard yourself against accusations, even if they are false; for the multitude are ignorant of the truth and look only to reputation.

Be gracious to all men, but choose the best to be your friends.

Of all our possessions, wisdom alone is immortal.

Regard as your most faithful friends, not those who praise everything you say or do, but those who criticize your mistakes.

We should not call a city happy because it attracts masses of citizens from everywhere; a fortunate city is one in which the race of the original inhabitants is best preserved.

It 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.