It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.

The conduct of a wise politician is ever suited to the present posture of affairs. Often by foregoing a part he saves the whole, and by yielding in a small matter secures a greater.

The omission of good is no less reprehensible than the commission of evil.

When another is asked a question, take special care not to interrupt to answer it yourself.

A Roman divorced from his wife, being highly blamed by his friends, who demanded, "Was she not chaste? Was she not fair? Was she not fruitful?" holding out his shoe, asked them whether it was not new and well made. "Yet," added he, "none of you can tell where it pinches me.''

When one is transported by rage, it is best to observe attentively the effects on those who deliver themselves over to the same passion.

It was not important how many enemies there are, but where the enemy is