Quotes from Marcus Tullius Cicero

The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced; the arrogance of the authorities must be moderated and ontrolled. Payments to foreign governments must be reduced. If the nation doesn't want to go bankrupt, people must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance

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

Great is the power of habit. It teaches us to bear fatigue and to despise wounds and pain.

When a government becomes powerful it is destructive, extravagant and violent; it is an usurer which takes bread from innocent mouths and deprives honorable men of their substance, for votes with which to perpetuate itself.

Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide.

Modesty is that feeling by which honorable shame acquires a valuable and lasting authority.

True nobility is exempt from fear.

There are no true friends in politics.

What sweetness is left in life, if you take away friendship? Robbing life of friendship is like robbing the world of the sun. A true friend is more to be esteemed than kinsfolk.

There is wickedness in the intention of wickedness, even though it be not perpetrated in the act.

This is a proof of a well-trained mind, to rejoice in what is good and to grieve at the opposite.

Men in no way approach so nearly to the gods as in doing good to men.

They are eloquent who can speak low things acutely, and of great things with dignity, and of moderate things with temper.

The countenance is the portrait of the soul, and the eyes mark its intentions.

A home without books is a body without soul.

Law stands mute in the midst of arms.

While the sick man has life, there is hope.

Genius is fostered by energy.

If a man aspires to the highest place, it is no dishonor to him to halt at the second, or even at the third.

Before beginning, prepare carefully

The safety of the people shall be the highest law

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

To give counsel as well as to take it is a feature of true friendship.