Those who really deserve praise are the people who, while human enough to enjoy power, nevertheless pay more attention to justice than they are compelled to do by their situation.

I am not blaming those who are resolved to rule, only those who show an even greater readiness to submit.

In peace and prosperity states and individuals have better sentiments, because they do not find themselves suddenly confronted with imperious necessities; but war takes away the easy supply of daily wants and so proves a rough master that brings most men's characters to a level with their fortunes

The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.

Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.

So little trouble do men take in the search after truth; so readily do they accept whatever comes first to hand.

The secret of happiness is freedom and the secret of freedom is courage.