When Anaxagoras was told of the death of his son, he only said, "I knew he was mortal." So we in all casualties of life should say "I knew my riches were uncertain, that my friend was but a man." Such considerations would soon pacify us, because all our troubles proceed from their being unexpected.

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

Rather I fear on the contrary that while we banish painful thoughts we may banish memory as well.

A Spartan woman, as she handed her son his shield, exhorted him saying, "As a warrior of Sparta come back with your shield or on it."

As bees extract honey from thyme, the strongest and driest of herbs, so sensible men often get advantage and profit from the most awkward circumstances.

The talkative listen to no one, for they are ever speaking. And the first evil that attends those who know not to be silent is that they hear nothing.

Men who marry wives very much superior to themselves are not so truly husbands to their wives as they are unawares made slaves to their position.