Claudius Quotes

Say not always what you know, but always know what you say.

What Roman power slowly built, an unarmed traitor instantly overthrew.

He who seeks to terrify others is more in fear himself.

Nature has given the opportunity of happiness to all, knew they but how to use it.

Whoever desires is always poor.

To do nothing evil is good; to wish nothing evil is better.

[Jews were] fomenting a general plague on the whole world.

No one is more miserable than the person who wills everything and can do nothing.

Power call achieve more by gentle means than by violence.

Nothing is more annoying than a low man raised to a high position.

Faber est suae quisque fortunae. Each man is the architect of his own fate.

No one is free who does not lord over himself.

He who wants peace must prepare for war.

The people become more observant of justice, and do not refuse to submit to the laws when they see them obeyed by their enactor.

Acquaintance lessens fame.

Death is the great leveller.

A severe war lurks under the show of peace.

In sleep, when fancy is let loose to play, Our dreams repeat the wishes of the day.

Luxury, that alluring pest with fair forehead, which, yielding always to the will of the body, throws a deadening influence over the senses, and weakens the limbs more than the drugs of Circe's cup.

Virtue is indeed its own reward.

My words fly up, my thoughts remain below

Death renders all equal.

Liberty begets license.

The noblest character is stained by the addition of pride.

I was thinking, "So, I’m Emperor, am I? What nonsense! But at least I'll be able to make people read my books now.

Alas! the slippery nature of tender youth.

Virtue when concealed is a worthless thing.

Lust, forgetful of future suffering, hurries us along the forbidden path.

Clemency alone makes us equal to the gods.

Nature has granted to all to be happy, if we did but know how to use her benefits.

Alas! by what slight means are great affairs brought to destruction.

We each build our own future. We are the architects of our own fortune.

Nothing can allay the rage of biting envy.

Every man is the artisan of his own fortune.

They are raised on high that they may be dashed to pieces with a greater fall.

Evidently, quality of wits is more important than quantity.

The afflictions to which we are accustomed, do not disturb us.

O my offense is rank, it smells to heaven.

Men live best on moderate means: Nature has dispensed to all men wherewithal to be happy, if mankind did but understand how to use her gifts.

Nor is heaven always at peace.

He is next to the gods whom reason, and not passion, impels; and who, after weighing the facts, can measure the punishment with discretion.

The people are fashioned according to the example of their kings; and edicts are of less power than the life of their ruler.

Nature has placed his own happiness in each man's hands, if he only knew how to use it.

In Egypt, the cats...afford evidence that animal nature is not altogether intractable, but that when well-treated they are good at remembering kindness.

The best manners are stained by haughtiness.

Aristotle wore many rings and expensive clothes. ... Plato found this off-putting and unsuited for a philosopher.

Here is a fine field for talent.

The fickle populace always change with the prince.

Men live best upon a little; Nature has given to all the privilege of being happy, if they but knew how to use their gifts.

Every branch of knowledge which a good man possesses, he may apply to some good purpose.