It is circumstance and proper measure that give an action its character, and make it either good or bad.

I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.

An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics.

When Demosthenes was asked what was the first part of Oratory, he answered, "Action," and which was the second, he replied, "action," and which was the third, he still answered "Action.

Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.

The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits.

Barba non facit philosophum

To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.

Time is the wisest of all counselors.

No beast is more savage than man when possessed with power answerable to his rage.

Light brings us the news of the Universe.

Be confident but with a leashed ego.

A kind ‘no’ from the heart is better than a deceitful ‘yes’ from the tongue.

The artist is a member of the leisured classes who cannot pay for his leisure.

What is truly profound is thought to be stupid and trivial, or worse, boring, while what is actually stupid and trivial is thought to be profound. That is what it means to fly upside down.

Elections cannot inconvenience me. They ratify my will or I neuter them.

So thoughtlessly we sling on our destinies.

As a painter I make up projects for myself to express myself. And there's no client, there's no direction.

Those who can take that crabbed tree handsomely upon their back, and fasten it on cannily, shall find it such a burden as wings unto a bird, or sails to a ship.

It's good for young people to be angry about something.