Better that right counsels be known to enemies than that the evil secrets of tyrants should be concealed from the citizens. They who can treat secretly of the affairs of a nation have it absolutely under their authority; and as they plot against the enemy in time of war, so do they against the citizens in time of peace.

Whatsoever is contrary to nature is contrary to reason, and whatsoever is contrary to reason is absurd.

In proportion as we endeavor to live according to the guidance of reason, shall we strive as much as possible to depend less on hope, to liberate ourselves from fear, to rule fortune, and to direct our actions by the sure counsels of reason.

True virtue is life under the direction of reason.

All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.

Sadness diminishes a man's powers

Self-complacency is pleasure accompanied by the idea of oneself as cause.