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. |
To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach. |
The best protection for the people is not necessarily to believe everything people tell them. |
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. |
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. |
A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true. |
Excessive dealings with tyrants are not good for the security of free states. |
What we wish, that we readily believe. |
Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master. |
No man who is not willing to help himself has any right to apply to his friends, or to the gods. |
All speech is vain and empty unless it be accompanied by action. |
Every dictator is an enemy of freedom, an opponent of law. |
The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves. |
What we have in us of the image of God is the love of truth and justice. |
I am a citizen of the world. |
Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises. |
Close alliances with despots are never safe for free states. |