If there were only some way of contriving that a state or an army should be made up of lovers and their beloved, they would be the very best governors of their own city, abstaining from all dishonour, and emulating one another in honour; and when fighting at each other's side, although a mere handful, they would overcome the world. For what lover would not choose rather to be seen by all mankind than by his beloved, either when abandoning his post or throwing away his arms? He would be ready to die a thousand deaths rather than endure this.

The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.

A man who really fights for justice must lead a private, not a public, life if he is to survive for even a short time.

In order to seek one's own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of ordinary, everyday life.

May I deem the wise man rich, and may I have such a portion of gold as none but a prudent man can either bear or employ.

All knowledge is but remembrance.

The well-nurtured youth is one who would see most clearly whatever was amiss in ill-made works of man or ill-grown works of nature, and with a just distaste would blame and hate the ugly even from his earliest years and would give delighted praise to beauty, receiving it into his soul and being nourished by it, so that he became a man of gentle heart.