No' and 'Yes' are words quickly said, but they need a great amount of thought before you utter them.

A person of your century: Great persons are of their time. Not all were born into a period worthy of them, and many so born failed to benefit by it. Some merited a better century, for all that is good does not always triumph. Fashions have their periods and even the greatest virtues, their styles. But the philosopher, being ageless, has one advantage: Should this not prove the right century, many to follow will.

A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.

To be at ease is better than to be at business. Nothing really belongs to us but time, which you have even if you have nothing else.

Chance has something to say, even how to write a good letter.

A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds a No, sweetens a truth, and adds a touch of beauty to old age itself.

Tis by no means the least of life's rules: To let things alone.