Greatness of soul consists not so much in soaring high and in pressing forward, as in knowing how to adapt and limit oneself.

That is why Bias jested with those who were going through the perils of a great storm with him and calling on the gods for help: "Shut up," he said, "so that they do not realize that you are here with me.

A speech belongs half to the speaker and half to the listener.

A man never speaks of himself without losing something. What he says in his disfavor is always beleived, but when he commends himself, he arouses mistrust.

Is there anything so grave and serious as an ass?

But as Nature is the best guide, teaching must be the development of natural inclinations, for which purpose the teacher must watch his pupil and listen to him, not continually bawl words into his ears as if pouring water into a funnel. Good teaching will come from a mind well made rather than well filled.

Who does not in some sort live to others, does not live much to himself.