“The study of History is the best medicine for a sick mind.”

No man likes to be surpassed by those of his own level.

Men are only clever at shifting blame from their own shoulders to those of others.

Woe to the conquered.

From abundance springs safety.

Under the influence of fear, which always leads men to take a pessimistic view of things, they magnified their enemies’ resources, and minimized their own.

Adversity makes men remember God.

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.