James Wood, comp. Dictionary of Quotations. 1899.
Pythagoras
[Greek]—Don’t stir fire with sword.
[Greek]—Reverence, first of all, the immortal gods, as prescribed by law.
Above all things reverence thyself.
Choose always the way that seems the best, however rough it may be. Custom will render it easy and agreeable.
He that knoweth not that which he ought to know, is a brute beast among men; he that knoweth no more than he hath need of, is a man among brute beasts; and he that knoweth all that may be known, is a god amongst men.
If there be light, then there is darkness; if cold, heat; if height, depth; if solid, fluid; if hard, soft; if rough, smooth; if calm, tempest; if prosperity, adversity; if life, death.
In this theatre of man’s life, it is reserved only for God and angels to look on.
It is cowardly to quit the post the gods elect for us before they permit us.
No man is free who cannot command himself.
No man is so old but thinks he may live another day.
No man is to be deemed free who has not perfect self-command.
Silence is better than unmeaning words.
Strength of mind rests in sobriety, for this keeps the reason unclouded by passion.
We ought not to quit our post without the permission of Him who commands; the post of man is life.
When the wind (civic tumult) arises, worship the echo (retire into the country).