The collection / 155 fragments

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Passages, proverbs, and questions carried across the ages.

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01c. 75 BC

For as lack of adornment is said to become some women, so this subtle oration, though without embellishment, gives delight.

Cicero / quote

02c. 75 BC

Thus in the beginning the world was so made that certain signs come before certain events.

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03c. 75 BC

He is never less at leisure than when at leisure.

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04c. 75 BC

While the sick man has life there is hope.

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05Undated

That which is usually called dotage is not the weak point of all old men, but only of such as are distinguished by their levity.

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06Undated

The contemplation of celestial things will make a man both speak and think more sublimely and magnificently when he descends to human affairs.

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07Undated

Avarice in old age, is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road, the nearer we approach to our journey's end?

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08Undated

It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor.

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09Undated

Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity. Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind.

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10Undated

It is the peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others, and to forget his own.

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11Undated

Fortune favors the bold.

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12Undated

Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.

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13Undated

The world has not yet learned the riches of frugality.

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14Undated

The administration of government, like a guardianship, ought to be directed to the good of those who confer and not of those who receive the trust.

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15Undated

It is folly to tear one's hair in sorrow, as if grief could be assuaged by baldness.

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16Undated

Not to know what has been transacted in former times is to continue always a child. If no use is made of the labors of past ages, the world must remain always in the infancy of knowledge.

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17Undated

What is becoming is honest, and whatever is honest must always be becoming.

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18Undated

No man was ever great without divine inspiration.

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19Undated

No liberal man would impute a charge of unsteadiness to another for having changed his opinion.

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20Undated

It is not only arrogant, but it is profligate, for a man to disregard the world's opinion of himself.

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21Undated

True glory strikes root, and even extends itself; all false pretensions fall as do flowers, nor can anything feigned be lasting.

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22Undated

Prosperity demands of us more prudence and moderation than adversity.

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23Undated

Wise men are instructed by reason; men of less understanding, by experience; the most ignorant, by necessity; and beasts, by nature.

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24Undated

Superstition is a senseless fear of God; religion, the pious worship of God.

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