They fought indeed and were slain, but it was to maintain the luxury and the wealth of other men.

For he who gives no fuel to fire puts it out, and likewise he who does not in the beginning nurse his wrath and does not puff himself up with anger takes precautions against it and destroys it.

It is not histories I am writing, but lives; and in the most glorious deeds there is not always an indication of virtue or vice, indeed a small thing like a phrase or a jest often makes a greater revelation of a character than battles where thousands die.

Memory: what wonders it performs in preserving and storing up things gone by - or rather, things that are

When the strong box contains no more both friends and flatterers shun the door.

As small letters hurt the sight, so do small matters him that is too much intent upon them; they vex and stir up anger, which begets an evil habit in him in reference to greater affairs.

Forgetfulness transforms every occurrence into a non-occurrence.