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

Nature without learning is blind, learning apart from nature is fractional, and practice in the absence of both is aimless.

Among real friends there is no rivalry or jealousy of one another, but they are satisfied and contented alike whether they are equal or one of them is superior.

The same intelligence is required to marshal an army in battle and to order a good dinner. The first must be as formidable as possible, the second as pleasant as possible, to the participants.

Vultures are the most righteous of birds: they do not attack even the smallest living creature.

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

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