It is wise to be silent when occasion requires, and better than to speak, though never so well.

When Demosthenes was asked what were the three most important aspects of oratory, he answered, 'Action, Action, Action.'

The poor go to war, to fight and die for the delights, riches, and superfluities of others.

It is the usual consolation of the envious, if they cannot maintain their superiority, to represent those by whom they are surpassed as inferior to some one else.

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

What most of all enables a man to serve the public is not wealth, but content and independence; which, requiring no superfluity at home, distracts not the mind from the common good.

Since, during storms, flames leap from the humid vapors and dark clouds emit deafening noises, is it surprising the lightning, when it strikes the ground, gives rise to truffles, which do not resemble plants?