It is a hard matter, my fellow citizens, to argue with the belly, since it has no ears.

Moral habits, induced by public practices, are far quicker in making their way into men's private lives, than the failings and faults of individuals are in infecting the city at large.

Come back with your shield - or on it

It is circumstance and proper measure that give an action its character, and make it either good or bad.

Not by lamentations and mournful chants ought we to celebrate the funeral of a good man, but by hymns; for, ion ceasing to be numbered with mortals, he enters upon the heritage of a diviner life. Since he is gone where he feels no pain, let us not indulge in too much grief. The soul is incapable of death. And he, like a bird not long enough in his cage to become attached to it, is free to fly away to a purer air. . . . Since we cherish a trust like this, let our outward actions be in accord with it, and let us keep our hearts pure and our minds calm.

Those who aim at great deeds must also suffer greatly.

It is the admirer of himself, and not the admirer of virtue, that thinks himself superior to others.