Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!

Our love of what is beautiful does not lead to extravagance; our love of the things of the mind does not make us soft.

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.

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

Those who can think, but cannot express what they think, place themselves at the level of those who cannot think.

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

To face calamity with a mind as unclouded as may be, and quickly to react against it-that in a city and in an individual-is real strength.