Whetstones are not themselves able to cut, but make iron sharp and capable of cutting.

Guard yourself against accusations, even if they are false for the multitude are ignorant of the truth and look only to reputation.

Oratory is good only if it has the qualities of fitness for the occasion, propriety of style, and originality of treatment, while in the case of letters there is no such need whatsoever.

So far has Athens left the rest of mankind behind in thought and expression that her pupils have become the teachers of the world, and she has made the name of Hellas distinctive no longer of race but of intellect, and the title of Hellene a badge of education rather than of common descent.

Always when you are about to say anything, first weigh it in your mind for with many the tongue outruns the thought.

Spend your leisure time in cultivating an ear attentive to discourse, for in this way you will find that you learn with ease what others have found out with difficulty.

Consider that nothing in human life is stable for then you will not exult overmuch in prosperity, nor grieve overmuch in adversity. Rejoice over the good things which come to you, but grieve in moderation over the evils which befall you.

Abhor flatterers as you would deceivers for both, if trusted, injure those who trust them. If you admit as friends men who seek your favor for the lowest ends, your life will be lacking in friends who will risk your displeasure for the highest good.

It is not fitting that the evil produced by men should be imputed to things let those bear the blame who make an ill use of things in themselves good.

If you be a lover of instruction, you will be well instructed.

Never hope to conceal any shameful thing which you have done for even if you do conceal it from others, your own heart will know. … Pursue the enjoyments which are of good repute for pleasure attended by honor is the best thing in the world, but pleasure without honor is the worst.

If all who are engaged in the profession of education were willing to state the facts instead of making greater promises than they can possibly fulfill, they would not be in such bad repute with the lay- public.

Be gracious to all men, but choose the best to be your friends.