The collection / 593 fragments

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Passages, proverbs, and questions carried across the ages.

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593 results · Page 21 of 25Play this collection ▷

01c. 75 BC

The way to avoid the imputation of impudence is not to be ashamed of what we do, but never to do what we ought to be ashamed of.

Cicero / quote

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02c. 75 BC

The wise are instructed by reason, ordinary minds by experience, the stupid by necessity, and brutes by instinct.

Cicero / quote

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03c. 75 BC

There are few who, either by extraordinary endowment or favour of fortune, have enjoyed the opportunity of deciding what mode of life in especial they would wish to embrace.

Cicero / quote

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04c. 75 BC

There are more men ennobled by study than by nature.

Cicero / quote

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05c. 32 AD

There is no great genius free from some tincture of madness.

Seneca / quote

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06c. 32 AD

There is no man so rudely punished as he that is subject to the whip of his own remorse.

Seneca / quote

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07c. 32 AD

There is not any benefit so glorious in itself but it may be exceedingly sweetened and improved by the manner of conferring it. The virtue, I know, rests in the intent, but the beauty and ornament of an obligation lies in the manner of it.

Seneca / quote

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08c. 32 AD

There's no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.

Seneca / quote

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09c. 75 BC

Those who injure one party to benefit another are quite as unjust as if they converted the property of others to their own benefit.

Cicero / quote

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10c. 75 BC

Time destroys the speculations of man, but it confirms the judgment of nature.

Cicero / quote

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11c. 32 AD

True friends are the whole world to one another; and he that is a friend to himself is also a friend to mankind. Even in my studies the greatest delight I take is of imparting it to others; for there is no relish to me in the possession of anything without a partner.

Seneca / quote

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12c. 32 AD

True joy is a serene and sober motion; and they are miserably out, that take laughing for rejoicing; the seat of it is within, and there is no cheerfulness like the resolutions of a brave mind that has fortune under its feet.

Seneca / quote

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13c. 75 BC

Wars should be undertaken in order that we may live in peace without suffering wrong.

Cicero / quote

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14c. 32 AD

We are members of one great body. Nature planted in us a mutual love, and fitted us for a social life. We must consider that we were born for the good of the whole.

Seneca / quote

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15c. 75 BC

We can more easily avenge an injury than requite a kindness; on this account, because there is less difficulty in getting the better of the wicked than in making one's self equal with the good.

Cicero / quote

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16c. 75 BC

We have always considered taxes to be the sinews of the state.

Cicero / quote

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17c. 75 BC

We should never so entirely avoid danger as to appear irresolute and cowardly; but, at the same time, we should avoid unnecessarily exposing ourselves to danger, than which nothing can be more foolish.

Cicero / quote

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18c. 32 AD

We shut our eyes, and, like people in the dark, we fall foul upon the very thing we search for, without finding it.

Seneca / quote

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19c. 75 BC

Well has Ennius said, "Kindnesses misplaced are nothing but a curse and disservice."

Cicero / quote

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20c. 32 AD

Were wisdom given me with this reservation, that I should keep it shut up within myself and not impart it, I would spurn it.

Seneca / quote

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21c. 75 BC

What is becoming is honourable, and what is honourable is becoming.

Cicero / quote

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22c. 32 AD

What once were vices are now the manners of the day.

Seneca / quote

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23c. 32 AD

What should a wise man do if he is given a blow? What Cato did when some one struck him on the mouth;—not fire up or revenge the insult, or even return the blow, but simply ignore it.

Seneca / quote

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24c. 32 AD

Whatever has exceeded its due bounds is ever in a state of instability.

Seneca / quote

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