You should look into a mirror: if you look fine, do fine things; if you look ugly, correct by nobility the defect of your nature.

Being asked what was pleasant to men, he replied, "Hope."

When he was asked by an impious man what piety was, he made no reply; and when his questioner demanded the reason of his silence, he said, "I am silent because you are putting questions about things with which you have no concern."

Once he was on a voyage with some impious men, and the vessel was overtaken by a storm; so they began to invoke the assistance of the Gods; on which he said, "Hold your tongues, lest they should find out that you are in this ship."

Most men are wicked.

Great strength of body is the gift of nature; But to be able to advise whate'er Is most expedient for one's country's good, Is the peculiar work of sense and wisdom.

Seek to please all the citizens, even though Your house may be in an ungracious city. For such a course will favour win from all: But haughty manners oft produce destruction.

Cherish wisdom as a means of travelling from youth to old age, for it is more lasting than any other possession.

Whatever good fortune befalls you, attribute it to the gods.

Accept of things, having procured them by persuasion, not by force.

Do not praise an undeserving man because of his riches.

Speak of the Gods as they are.

Love prudence.

Do not speak fast, for that shows folly.

Choose the course which you adopt with deliberation; but when you have adopted it, then persevere in it with firmness.

Great riches come to many men by chance.

Heraclitus too, a man who was not easily pleased, has praised him; saying, "In Priene there lived Bias the son of Teutamus, whose reputation is higher than that of the others."