The lust for power, for dominating others, inflames the heart more than any other passion.

Whatever is unknown is magnified

In seasons of tumult and discord bad men have the most power; mental and moral excellence require peace and quietness.

Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.

Necessity reforms the poor, and satiety the rich

All bodies are slow in growth but rapid in decay.

We bear a grudge against the people we’ve done down

Forethought and prudence are the proper qualities of a leader.

The more corrupt the state, the more laws.

The principle office of history I take to be this: to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.

Old things are always in good repute, present things in disfavor.

The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.

If we must fall, we should boldly meet the danger.

Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.

Those in supreme power always suspect and hate their next heir.

They (the Romans) make a desert, and they call it peace

Reason and calm judgment: the qualities especially belonging to a leader.

So, as you go into battle, remember your ancestors and remember your descendants

The illicit has an added charm

Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done...

More faults are often committed while we are trying to oblige than while we are giving offense

It is easier for a republican form of government to be applauded than realized

Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable.

When men are full of envy, they disparage everything, whether it be good or bad

Truth is confirmed by inspection and delay; falsehood by haste and uncertainty.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent

All enterprises that are entered into with indiscreet zeal may be pursued with great vigor at first, but are sure to collapse in the end.

When the state is most corrupt, then the laws are most multiplied.

It is human nature to hate those whom you have injured

There will be vice as long as there are men

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

We are corrupted by prosperity

The repose of nations cannot be secure without arms, armies cannot be maintained without pay, nor can the pay be produced without taxes

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.

A bad peace is even worse than war.

It belongs to human nature to hate those you have injured.

A shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous initiative of few individuals, with the blessing of more, and amid the passive acquiescence of all.

In all things there is a law of cycles.

In valor there is hope.

He had talents equal to business, and aspired no higher

The unknown always seems sublime

Love of fame is the last thing even the wise give up

All things atrocious and shameless flock from all parts to Rome.

Seek to make a person blush for their guilt rather than shed their blood.

To plunder, to slaughter, to steal, these things they misname empire; and where they make a wilderness, they call it peace.

In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.

Rumor is not always wrong

Things are not to be judged good or bad merely because the public think so.

The hatred of those who are near to us is the most violent

Posterity gives every man his true value.