Wisdom

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.

Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort.

If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please.

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.

Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.

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

There is only a finger's difference between a wise man and a fool.

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

It takes a wise man to discover a wise man.

I threw my cup away when I saw a child drinking from his hands at the trough.

Man is the most intelligent of the animals - and the most silly.

As a matter of self-preservation, a man needs good friends or ardent enemies, for the former instruct him and the latter take him to task.

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

I know nothing, except the fact of my ignorance.

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.

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

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.

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.

I would rather discover one true cause than gain the kingdom of Persia.

Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence.

I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law.