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.

The populace is like the sea motionless in itself, but stirred by every wind, even the lightest breeze.

Truth is often eclipsed but never extinguished.

The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things rotten through and through, to avoid.

We can endure neither our vices nor their cure.

Fame opportunely despised often comes back redoubled.

Never is work without reward, or reward without work.