For to err in opinion, though it be not the part of wise men, is at least human.

Seeing the lightest and gayest purple was then most in fashion, he would always wear that which was the nearest black; and he would often go out of doors, after his morning meal, without either shoes or tunic; not that he sought vain-glory from such novelties, but he would accustom himself to be ashamed only of what deserves shame, and to despise all other sorts of disgrace.

Themistocles replied that a man's discourse was like to a rich Persian carpet, the beautiful figures and patterns of which can only be shown by spreading and extending it out; when it is contracted and folded up, they are obscured and lost.

Moral good is a practical stimulus; it is no sooner seen than it inspires an impulse to practice.

The ripeness of adolescence is prodigal in pleasures, skittish, and in need of a bridle.

Rather I fear on the contrary that while we banish painful thoughts we may banish memory as well.

It is no disgrace not to be able to do everything; but to undertake, or pretend to do, what you are not made for, is not only shameful, but extremely troublesome and vexatious.