In private matters everyone is equal before the law. In public matters, when it is a question of putting power and responsibility into the hands of one man rather than another, what counts is not rank or money, but the ability to do the job well.
PericlesNot to be able to bear poverty is a shameful thing, but not to know how to chase it away by work is a more shameful thing yet.
PericlesIf Athens shall appear great to you, consider then that her glories were purchased by valiant men, and by men who learned their duty.
Pericles