Browse quotes by category
Thousands of quotes organised by category, author, and topic. Every entry comes with attribution and, where possible, a plain-language meaning—so you leave with an idea you can actually use, not just a phrase to copy.
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“Bread and circuses.”
Meaning: It reflects how people can be controlled with basic needs and entertainment. -
“Who will guard the guards themselves?”
Meaning: This highlights the need for accountability in power structures. -
“Never despair.”
Meaning: It emphasizes maintaining hope even in difficult times. -
“Great respect is owed to a child.”
Meaning: This highlights the importance of treating children with dignity and care. -
“The traveler with empty pockets sings before the robber.”
Meaning: It suggests that having nothing to lose removes fear. -
“It is difficult not to write satire.”
Meaning: This reflects how absurd society often inspires criticism. -
“The law forgives crows but punishes doves.”
Meaning: It highlights injustice and unequal treatment in society. -
“If there is wisdom, no divine help is lacking.”
Meaning: This emphasizes the power of human intelligence and judgment. -
“Consider it the greatest sin to value life over honor.”
Meaning: It reflects the importance of integrity and values. -
“Unseasonable kindness may be the greatest cruelty.”
Meaning: This highlights that misplaced kindness can cause harm. -
“Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”
Meaning: It emphasizes the danger of inaction. -
“One person with a belief is equal in force to ninety-nine who have only interests.”
Meaning: This highlights the power of conviction. -
“A great statesman is he who knows when to depart from traditions as well as when to adhere to them.”
Meaning: It emphasizes balanced leadership. -
“Originality is the one thing which unoriginal minds cannot feel the use of.”
Meaning: This highlights value of originality. -
“Not all pains are equal; some are worth enduring for greater happiness.”
Meaning: It reflects utilitarian balance of pain and pleasure. -
“The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised is to prevent harm to others.”
Meaning: This defines ethical use of power. -
“A person may be a devoted citizen without being an uncritical admirer of his country.”
Meaning: It emphasizes thoughtful patriotism. -
“Strange it is that men should admit the validity of the arguments for free speech but object to their application.”
Meaning: This highlights hypocrisy in society. -
“The pupil who is never required to do what he cannot do never does what he can do.”
Meaning: It emphasizes challenge in growth. -
“Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.”
Meaning: This emphasizes personal growth over comparison.