Chilon of Sparta

a sole governor is in a slippery position at home; and I consider that tyrant a fortunate man who dies a natural death in his own house.

To be silent about secrets; to make good use of one’s leisure, and to be able to submit to injustice.

Not to speak evil of the dead.

When speaking not to gesticulate with the hand; for that is like a madman.

Not to let one’s tongue outrun one’s sense.

Not to laugh at a person in misfortune.

Seek no excess—all timely things are good.

To rule one’s tongue, especially at a banquet, and not to speak ill of one’s neighbors; for if one does so one is sure to hear what one will not like.

If one is strong to be also merciful, so that one’s neighbors may respect one rather than fear one.

Not to make too much haste on one’s road.

To prefer punishment to disgraceful gain; for the one is painful but once, but the other for one’s whole life.

The reason is because I know how to bear injustice, but you do not.

To threaten no one; for that is a womanly trick.

Not to dislike divination.

Not to desire what is impossible.