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

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.

The more corrupt the state, the more laws.

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

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

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

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

Even the bravest men are frightened by sudden terrors.

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

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

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

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

The illicit has an added charm

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

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

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

Greater things are believed of those who are absent

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

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

It is human nature to hate those whom you have injured

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.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

There will be vice as long as there are men

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

We are corrupted by prosperity

A bad peace is even worse than war.

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

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.