We ought, so far as it lies within our power, to aspire to immortality, and do all that we can to live in conformity with the highest that is within us; for even if it is small in quantity, in power and preciousness, it far excels all the rest.

Temperance and bravery, then, are ruined by excess and deficiency, but preserved by the mean.

Nature does nothing in vain.

A brave man is clear in his discourse, and keeps close to truth.

Aristocracy is that form of government in which education and discipline are qualifications for suffrage and office holding.

In painting, the most brilliant colors, spread at random and without design, will give far less pleasure than the simplest outline of a figure.

The energy of the mind is the essence of life.