There is no necessity for the man who means to be an orator to understand what is really just but only what would appear so to the majority of those who will give judgment; and not what is really good or beautiful but whatever will appear so; because persuasion comes from that and not from the truth.

Just as bees make honey from thyme, the strongest and driest of herbs, so do the wise profit from the most difficult of experiences.

Rhythm and melody enter into the soul of the well-instructed youth and produce there a certain mental harmony hardly obtainable in any other way. . . . thus music, too, is concerned with the principles of love in their application to harmony and rhythm.

Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on Simplicity.

To be curious about that which is not one's concern while still in ignorance of oneself is ridiculous.

If we are to have any hope for the future, those who have lanterns must pass them on to others.

Cunning... is but the low mimic of wisdom.