“Society is well governed when its people obey the magistrates, and the magistrates obey the law.”

Call no man happy until he is dead.

If things are going well, religion and legislation are beneficial; if not, they are of no avail.

No fool can be silent at a feast.

For often evil men are rich, and good men poor; But we will not exchange with them Our virtue for their wealth since one abides always, While riches change their owners every day.

Angels are winged with God’s power.

Justice, even if slow, is sure.

As I grow older, I constantly learn more.

Wealth I desire to have; but wrongfully to get it, I do not wish.

Pure chastity is beauty to our souls, grace to our bodies, and peace to our desires.

To make an empire durable, the magistrates must obey the laws and the people the magistrates.

Let no man be called happy before his death. Till then, he is not happy, only lucky.

In all things let reason be your guide.

True blessedness consisteth in a good life and a happy death.

No more good must be attempted than the nation can bear.

Watch well each separate citizen, Lest having in his heart of hearts A secret spear, one still may come Saluting you with cheerful face, And utter with a double tongue The feigned good wishes of his wary mind.

Men keep their agreements when it is an advantage to both parties not to break them; and I shall so frame my laws that it will be evident to the Athenians that it will be for their interest to observe them.