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.

We do not need the praises of a Homer, or of anyone else whose words may delight us for the moment, but the estimation of facts will fall short of what is really true.

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

Wait for the wisest of all counselors, Time.

Trees, though they are cut and loped, grow up again quickly, but if men are destroyed, it is not easy to get them again

We Athenians hold that it is not poverty that is disgraceful but the failure to struggle against it.

I am more afraid of our own mistakes than of our enemies' designs.