It is only when our life proceeds within bounds and in an accepted, disciplined way, that the mind can be free.

The natural movement of one's soul is upwards. But just as any object is dragged down when a heavy weight is tied to it, the burden of the body drags down the soul.

If you want to cut down a tree, it is no use to climb into its branches.

A country should be defended not by arms, but by ethical behavior.

If a man achieves victory over this body, who in the world can exercise power over him? He who rules himself rules over the whole world.

Do not allow yourself to imagine that revolutionary thinking can be propagated by governmental power.

When a king speaks, the armies move. But when a wise man speaks, only the beard shakes.