To honor with hymns and panegyrics those who are still alive is not safe; a man should run his course and make a fair ending, and then we will praise him; and let praise be given equally to women as well as men who have been distinguished in virtue.

A tyrant... is always stirring up some war or other, in order that the people may require a leader.

I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.

Happiness springs from doing good and helping others.

If you are willing to reflect on the courage and moderation of other people, you will find them strange.

You cannot conceive the many without the one.

I know nothing more worthy of a man's ambition than that his son be the best of men.