Ethics and Morality

First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.

The sun too penetrates into privies, but is not polluted by them.

It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing, and of godlike men to want little.

Of what use is a philosopher who doesn't hurt anybody's feelings?

Blushing is the color of virtue.

Why not whip the teacher when the pupil misbehaves?

No man is hurt but by himself.

The great thieves lead away the little thief.

Calumny is only the noise of madmen.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

It is better to destroy one's own errors than those of others.

Men should strive to think much and know little.