Pericles

"The laws of a state, which reflect the character of its people, cannot be superior to that character."

"Though a man be wise and mighty, there are forces beyond his control."

"It is a fine thing to have friends; but it is a finer thing to deserve friends."

"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution."

"Freedom is that faculty that enlarges the usefulness of all other faculties."

"We love beauty without extravagance and wisdom without weakness."

"The mighty are mighty only through our belief in their might."

"Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances have lain dormant."

"Personal shame and fear prevent men from speaking up when their country is at stake."

"If we must choose between them, it is far better to be feared than to be pitied."

"I would rather have a man fail in doing something difficult than succeed in doing something easy."

"The power of the city is derived from its walls."

"Some sacrifice everything for riches and gain immortal shame."

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new."

"Remember always that the composer is the only one who hears his work performed exactly as he conceived it."

"Greatness is not found in holding some office; success is only real if a man fails and yet is not finally defeated."

"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself."

"The proof of a man is his conversation."

"Nothing is easier to deceive than public opinion."

"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal."

"Do not despair. Despair is for those without conviction."

"In the democracy that we enjoy, all are equal before the law."

"Mighty indeed are the advantages which the gods grant to those who dare."

"We are lovers of beauty, yet simple in our tastes, and we cultivate the mind without loss of manliness."

"Our love of what is beautiful does not lead to extravagance; our love of the things of the mind does not make us soft."

"Wealth does not distribute itself. There must be a struggle in which some individuals try to share a disproportionate amount."

"For beauty is not something that can exist in isolation."

"Superiority of position is responsibility."

"Knowledge is power that can be used for good or evil."

"We are the school of Hellas; and I do think the individual man among us is able to show himself the rightful lord and master of his own person."