It is always easy to begin a war, but very difficult to stop one.

It is the nature of ambition to make men liars and cheats, to hide the truth in their breasts, and show, like jugglers, another thing in their mouths, to cut all friendships and enmities to the measure of their own interest, and to make a good countenance without the help of good will.

It is a law of human nature that in victory even the coward may boast of his prowess, while defeat injures the reputation even of the brave.

There were few who preferred honor to money.

In battle it is the cowards who run the most risk; bravery is a rampart of defense.

Of the bodies in the cosmos, some imitate mind and move in orbits; some imitate soul and move in a straight line, fire and air upward, earth and water downward.

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