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.

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.

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

A small state increases by concord; the greatest falls gradually to ruin by dissension.

For men who had easily endured hardship, danger and difficult uncertainty, leisure and riches, though in some ways desirable, proved burdensome and a source of grief.

Those most moved to tears by every word of a preacher are generally weak and a rascal when the feelings evaporate.

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