“This above all makes history useful and desirable; it unfolds before our eyes a glorious record of exemplary actions.”

There is nothing that is more often clothed in an attractive garb than a false creed.

Prosperity engenders sloth.

Men are seldom blessed with good fortune and good sense at the same time.

The troubles which have come upon us always seem more serious than those which are only threatening.

A certain peace is better and safer than a victory in prospect; the former is at your own disposal, the latter depends upon the gods.

We can endure neither our vices nor their cure.

In grave difficulties, and with little hope, the boldest measures are the safest.

This was the Athenians’ war against the King of Macedon, a war of words. Words are the only weapons the Athenians have left.

When Tarquin the Proud was asked what was the best mode of governing a conquered city, he replied only by beating down with his staff all the tallest poppies in his garden.

No wickedness proceeds on any grounds of reason.

Never is work without reward, or reward without work.

Valor is the soldier’s adornment.

He is truly a man who will not permit himself to be unduly elated when fortune’s breeze is favorable, or cast down when it is adverse.

Nothing hurts worse than the loss of money.

Rome has grown since its humble beginnings that it is now overwhelmed by its own greatness.

There is always more spirit in attack than in defence.

Honour is purchas’d by the deeds we do.

I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.

When our thoughts – which bring actions – are filled with hate against anyone, Negro or white, we are in a living hell. That is as real as hell will ever be.

For evil deeds may better than bad words be borne.

The hands of the guilty don’t necessarily tremble; only in stories does a dropped glass betray agitation. Tension is more often shown in the studied action.

I would not leave anything to a man of action as he would be tempted to give up work; on the other hand, I would like to help dreamers as they find it difficult to get on in life.

Who would ever care to do brave deed, Or strive in virtue others to excel, If none should yield him his deserved meed Due praise, that is the spur of doing well? For if good were not praised more than ill, None would choose goodness of his own free will.

Successful people aren’t born that way. They become successful by establishing the habit of doing things unsuccessful people don’t like to do. The successful people don’t always like these things themselves; they just get on and do them.