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

Instead of looking on discussion as a stumbling block in the way of action, we think it an indispensable preliminary to any wise action at all.

Not 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.

We do not say that a man who takes no interest in public affairs is a man who minds his own business. We say he has no business being here at all.

Having knowledge but lacking the power to express it clearly is no better than never having any ideas at all.

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.

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.