The army from Asia introduced a foreign luxury to Rome; it was then the meals began to require more dishes and more expenditure . . . the cook, who had up to that time been employed as a slave of low price, become dear: what had been nothing but a metier was elevated to an art.

By flying, men often rush into the midst of calamities.

...war is just to those for whom it is necessary, and arms are clear of impiety for those who have no hope left but in arms.

We can endure neither our vices nor their cure.

Fame opportunely despised often comes back redoubled.

Adversity makes men remember God.

Avarice and luxury, those evils which have been the ruin of every great state.