“Do not mistake the rule of forcefor true power. Men are not shaped by force.”

“power and alliance for them, slavery and conquest over us.”

“The wisest men follow their own direction.”

“The company of just and righteous men is better than wealth and a rich estate.”

“And so my thoughts have lead me to believe that childless men and women lead lives more fortunate than those with sons and daughters.”

“Young man, two are the forces most precious to mankind.The first is Demeter, the Goddess.She is the Earth -- or any name you wish to call her -- and she sustains humanity with solid food.Next came Dionysus, the son of the virgin, bringing the counterpart to bread: wineand the blessings of life's flowing juices.His blood, the blood of the grape,lightens the burden of our mortal misery.Though himself a God, it is his blood we pour outto offer thanks to the Gods. And through him, we are blessed.”

“Do not consider painful what is good for you.”