A good man would prefer to be defeated than to defeat injustice by evil means.
Sallust

All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger or pity.
Sallust

All who consult on doubtful matters, should be void of hatred, friendship, anger, and pity.
Sallust

Ambition breaks the ties of blood, and forgets the obligations of gratitude.
Sallust

Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue.
Sallust

As the blessings of health and fortune have a beginning, so they must also find an end. Everything rises but to fall, and increases but to decay.
Sallust

Before you act, consider; when you have considered, tis fully time to act.
Sallust

By union the smallest states thrive. By discord the greatest are destroyed.
Sallust

Distinguished ancestors shed a powerful light on their descendants, and forbid the concealment either of their merits or of their demerits.
Sallust

Do as much as possible, and talk of yourself as little as possible.
Sallust


Every bad precedent originated as a justifiable measure.
Sallust

Every man is the architect of his own fortune.
Sallust

Everything that rises sets, and everything that grows, grows old.
Sallust

Few men desire liberty; most men wish only for a just master.
Sallust

Harmony makes small things grow, lack of it makes great things decay.
Sallust

He only seems to me to live, and to make proper use of life, who sets himself some serious work to do, and seeks the credit of a task well and skillfully performed.
Sallust

He that will be angry for anything will be angry for nothing.
Sallust

In battle it is the cowards who run the most risk; bravery is a rampart of defense.
Sallust

In my opinion it is less shameful for a king to be overcome by force of arms than by bribery.
Sallust

In my opinion, he only may be truly said to live and enjoy his being who is engaged in some laudable pursuit, and acquires a name by some illustrious action, or useful art.
Sallust