Society and the World

Wise kings generally have wise counselors; and he must be a wise man himself who is capable of distinguishing one.

When I look upon seamen, men of science and philosophers, man is the wisest of all beings; when I look upon priests and prophets nothing is as contemptible as man.

Those who have virtue always in their mouths, and neglect it in practice, are like a harp, which emits a sound pleasing to others, while itself is insensible of the music.

The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.

The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.

We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.

What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice.

You cannot have a proud and chivalrous spirit if your conduct is mean and paltry; for whatever a man's actions are, such must be his spirit.

The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves.

Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master.

There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots - suspicion.

The best protection for the people is not necessarily to believe everything people tell them.

No man who is not willing to help himself has any right to apply to his friends, or to the gods.

Excessive dealings with tyrants are not good for the security of free states.

To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach.

As a vessel is known by the sound, whether it be cracked or not; so men are proved, by their speeches, whether they be wise or foolish.

All speech is vain and empty unless it be accompanied by action.

Every dictator is an enemy of freedom, an opponent of law.

Every dictator is an enemy of freedom, an opponent of law.

Hope of ill gain is the beginning of loss.

Good means not merely not to do wrong, but rather not to desire to do wrong.

If thou suffer injustice, console thyself; the true unhappiness is in doing it.

Throw moderation to the winds, and the greatest pleasures bring the greatest pains.

Men should strive to think much and know little.