Quintilian

Though ambition in itself is a vice, yet it is often the parent of virtues.

Quintilian

Vain hopes are like certain dreams of those who wake.

Quintilian

We should not write so that it is possible for the reader to understand us, but so that it is impossible for him to misunderstand us.

Quintilian

When we cannot hope to win, it is an advantage to yield.

Quintilian

Where defeat is inevitable, it is wisest to yield.

Quintilian

While we are examining into everything we sometimes find truth where we least expected it.

Quintilian

Whilst we deliberate how to begin a thing, it grows too late to begin it.

Quintilian

A man who tries to surpass another may perhaps succeed in equaling inot actually surpassing him, but one who merely follows can never quite come up with him: a follower, necessarily, is always behind.

Quintilian

A mediocre speech supported by all the power of delivery will be more impressive than the best speech unaccompanied by such power.

Quintilian

A religion without mystics is a philosophy.

Quintilian