Come back with your shield - or on it

It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt.

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

The human heart becomes softened by hearing of instances of gentleness and consideration.

But being overborne with numbers, and nobody daring to face about, stretching out his hands to heaven, [Romulus] prayed to Jupiter to stop the army, and not to neglect but maintain the Roman cause, now in extreme danger. The prayer was no sooner made, than shame and respect for their king checked many; the fears of the fugitives changed suddenly into confidence.

Nothing can produce so great a serenity of life as a mind free from guilt and kept untainted, not only from actions, but purposes that are wicked. By this means the soul will be not only unpolluted but also undisturbed. The fountain will run clear and unsullied.

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?