When I express my opinions it is so as to reveal the measure of my sight not the measure of the thing.

We judge a horse not only by its pace on a racecourse, but also by its walk, nay, when resting in its stable.

It is the rule of rules, and the general law of all laws, that every person should observe those of the place where he is.

All we do is to look after the opinions and learning of others: we ought to make them our own.

To behave rightly, we ourselves should never lay a hand on our servants as long as our anger lasts. Things will seem different to us when we have quieted and cooled down.

As for our pupils talk, let his virtue and his sense of right and wrong shine through it and have no guide but reason. Make him understand that confessing an error which he discovers in his own argument even when he alone has noticed it is an act of justice and integrity, which are the main qualities he pursues; stubbornness and rancour are vulgar qualities, visible in common souls whereas to think again, to change one's mind and to give up a bad case on the heat of the argument are rare qualities showing strength and wisdom.

I had rather complain of ill-fortune than be ashamed of victory.