Reality confounds image.

Foreign policy often involved nothing more than the decision whom to make war upon.

The way to a landowner's heart was to tax gently.

The cornerstone of the Roman legionnaires' astonishing fighting spirit can be attributed to their training.

The factor that made him so powerful was also his greatest liability.

With ancient history writers most immediately in view, the author indicates "tendency to look to the virtues and vices of individuals when seeking causes.

He was a stylist, not a thinker. He spent time trying to say things in as complicated a way as possible.

Author describes one monarch's impressive table but conveys a contemporary's observation, "the weightiest thing at dinner was the conversation".

Never base motivation or fear, entirely.

That cake tasted good. But the cake in the garbage tasted better. It was the best cake I ever ate.

We must all raise war against ignorance.

What air is there left to breathe

Deciding to commit yourself to long term results rather than short term fixes is as important as any decision you'll make in your lifetime.

I have learned that champions aren't just born champions can be made when they embrace and commit to life-changing positive habits.

There is no dignity in wickedness, whether in purple or rags; and hell is a democracy of devils, where all are equals.

The most creative people have this childlike facility to play.

I've been in more laps than a napkin.

An erudite is someone who displays less than he knows; a journalist or consultant the opposite.

I had a fiery affair with George Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd.