For a man's counsel cannot have equal weight or worth, when he alone has no children to risk in the general danger.

Although only a few may originate a policy, we are all able to judge it.

I am of opinion that national greatness is more for the advantage of private citizens, than any individual well-being coupled with public humiliation. A man may be personally ever so well off, and yet if his country be ruined he must be ruined with it; whereas a flourishing commonwealth always affords chances of salvation to unfortunate individuals.

Time is the wisest counselor of all.

It is difficult to argue with the belly, for it has no ears.

If Athens shall appear great to you, consider then that her glories were purchased by valiant men, and by men who learned their duty.

An Athenian citizen does not neglect his state because he takes care of his own household; even those of us who are engaged in business have a very fair idea of politics. We do not regard a man who takes no interest in public affairs as harmless. We do not say that such a man 'minds his own business'. Rather we say he has no business here at all.