Of the cosmic Gods some make the world be, others animate it, others harmonize it, consisting as it does of different elements; the fourth class keep it when harmonized.

Most honorable are services rendered to the State; even if they do not go beyond words, they are not to be despised.

The poorest of men are the most useful to those seeking power.

One may call the world a myth , in which bodies and things are visible, but souls and minds hidden. Besides, to wish to teach the whole truth about the Gods to all produces contempt in the foolish, because they cannot understand, and lack of zeal in the good, whereas to conceal the truth by myths prevents the contempt of the foolish, and compels the good to practice philosophy.

Deliberate before you begin; but, having carefully done so, execute with vigour.

Everything rises but to fall, and increases but to decay.

The glory of wealth and of beauty is fleeting and frail; virtue is illustrious and everlasting.