In my opinion, he only may be truly said to live and enjoy his being who is engaged in some laudable pursuit, and acquires a name by some illustrious action, or useful art.

The fame which is based on wealth or beauty is a frail and fleeting thing; but virtue shines for ages with undiminished lustre.

Advise well before you begin, and when you have maturely considered, then act with promptitude.

Neither soldiers nor money can defend a king but only friends won by good deeds, merit, and honesty.

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

Each man the architect of his own fate.

It is not only spirits who punish the evil, the soul brings itself to judgment: and also it is not right for those who endure for ever to attain everything in a short time: and also, there is need of human virtue. If punishment followed instantly upon sin, men would act justly from fear and have no virtue.