Ignorance, the root and the stem of every evil.

Those who practice philosophy in the right way are in training for dying and they fear death least of all men.

To be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile.

And is it not true that in like manner a leader of the people who, getting control of a docile mob, does not withhold his hand from the shedding of tribal blood, but by the customary unjust accusations brings a citizen into court and assassinates him, blotting out a human life, and with unhallowed tongue and lips that have tasted kindred blood, banishes and slays and hints at the abolition of debts and the partition of lands.

The love of the gods belongs to anyone who has given to true virtue and nourished it, and if any human being could become immortal, it would be he.

More will be accomplished, and better, and with more ease, if every man does what he is best fitted to do, and nothing else.

My plainness of speech makes people hate me, and what is their hatred but a proof that I am speaking the truth.