Better and safer is an assured peace than a victory hoped for. The one is in your own power, the other is in the hands of the gods.

Good fortune and a good disposition are rarely given to the same man.

Truth is often eclipsed but never extinguished.

Many difficulties which nature throws in our way, may be smoothed away by the exercise of intelligence.

Fame opportunely despised often comes back redoubled.

Great contests generally excite great animosities.

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.