To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.

A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.

It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace.

Democracy arises out of the notion that those who are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.

There is a foolish corner in the brain of the wisest man.

The family is the association established by nature for the supply of man’s everyday wants.

Personal beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of reference.

Virtue . . . is a mean state between two vices, the one of excess and the other of deficiency.

To run away from trouble is a form of cowardice.

In educating the young we use pleasure and pain as rudders to steer their course.