We should keep silent about those in power; to speak well of them almost implies flattery; to speak ill of them while they are alive is dangerous, and when they are dead is cowardly.

We hope to grow old and we dread old age; that is to say, we love life and we flee from death.

A wise man is not governed by others, nor does he try to govern them; he prefers that reason alone prevail.

False modesty is the refinement of vanity. It is a lie.

Outward simplicity befits ordinary men, like a garment made to measure for them; but it serves as an adornment to those who have filled their lives with great deeds: they might be compared to some beauty carelessly dressed and thereby all the more attractive.

The slave has but one master, the ambitious man has as many as there are persons whose aid may contribute to the advancement of his fortunes.

A man's worth is estimated in this world according to his conduct.