Men are divided between those who are as thrifty as if they would live forever, and those who are as extravagant as if they were going to die the next day.

Teachers, who educate children, deserve more honor than parents, who merely gave them birth; for the latter provided mere life, while the former ensure a good life.

The state exists for the sake of a good life, and not for the sake of life only.

He who is by nature not his own but another’s man, is by nature a slave.

The man who confers a favour would rather not be repaid in the same coin.

If men think that a ruler is religious and has a reverence for the Gods, they are less afraid of suffering injustice at his hands.

Inferiors revolt in order that they may be equal, and equals that they may be superior.

Men regard it as their right to return evil for evil— and, if they cannot, feel they have lost their liberty.

That which is common to the greatest number has the least care bestowed upon it.

Nowadays, for the sake of the advantage which is to be gained from the public revenues and from office, men want to be always in office.