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

Arguments, like men, are often pretenders.

Upon consideration of the central question of the moon's toughness there can be little doubt. It is hella tough.

Mariner, do not ask whose tomb this may be, but go with good fortune: I wish you a kinder sea.

Whereas the truth is that the State in which the rulers are most reluctant to govern is always the best and most quietly governed, and the State in which they are most eager, the worst.

Herein is the evil of ignorance, that he who is neither good nor wise is nevertheless satisfied with himself: he had no desire for that of which he feels no want.

When the mind's eye rests on objects illuminated by truth and reality, it understands and comprehends them, and functions intelligently; but when it turns to the twilight world of change and decay, it can only form opinions, its vision is confused and its beliefs shifting, and it seems to lack intelligence.