Quotes from Theophrastus

We must consider the distinctive characters and the general nature of plants from the point of view of their morphology, their behavior under external conditions, their mode of generation, and the whole course of their life.

Alcmaeon was the first to define the difference between man and animals, saying that man differs from the latter in the fact that he alone has the power of understanding.

Remember that life holds out many pleasing deceits to us by the vanity of glory; for that when we are beginning to live, then we are dying. There is, therefore, nothing more profitless than ambition.

One may define flattery as a base companionship which is most advantageous to the flatterer.

Ah, yes, superstition: it would appear to be cowardice in face of the supernatural.

Our costliest expenditure is time.

Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.

If you are an ignorant man, you are acting wisely; but if you have had any education, you are behaving like a fool.

Slovenliness is a lazy and beastly negligence of a man's own person, whereby he becomes so sordid as to be offensive to those about him.

The man of petty ambition if invited to dinner will be eager to be set next his host.

Flattery may be considered as a mode of companionship, degrading but profitable to him who flatters.

Grossness is not difficult to define: it is obtrusive and objectionable pleasantry.

Petty ambition would seem to be a mean craving after distinction.

Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.

Superstition would seem to be simply cowardice in regard to the supernatural.

An orator without judgment is a horse without a bridle.

Beauty is a mute deception.

True friends visit us in prosperity only when invited, but in adversity they come without invitation.