11 quotes
For the fame of riches and beauty is fickle and frail, while virtue is eternally excellent.
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
Yet many human beings, resigned to sensuality and indolence, un-instructed and unimproved, have passed through life like travellers in a strange country.
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
It becomes all men, Senators, who deliberate on dubious matters, to be influenced neither by hatred, affection, anger, nor pity.
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
For to like the same things and to dislike the same things, only this is a strong friendship.
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
Ambition prompted many to become deceitful; to keep one thing concealed in the breast, and another ready on the tongue; to estimate friendships and enmities, not by their worth, but according to interest; and to carry rather a specious countenance than an honest heart.
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
All our power lies in both mind and body; we employ the mind to rule, the body rather to serve; the one we have in common with the Gods, the other with the brutes.
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
Is it not better to die in a glorious attempt, than, after having been the sport of other men's insolence, to resign a wretched and degraded existence with ignominy?
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
Necessity makes even the timid brave.
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
But at power or wealth, for the sake of which wars, and all kinds of strife, arise among mankind, we do not aim; we desire only our liberty, which no honorable man relinquishes but with his life.
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
Plenty of eloquence, not enough wisdom (said of Catiline)
Bellum Catilinae (-44)
But when sloth has introduced itself in the place of industry, and covetousness and pride in that of moderation and equity, the condition of a state is altered together with its morals; and thus authority is always transferred from the less to the more deserving.
Bellum Catilinae (-44)