Nothing in nature is by chance... Something appears to be chance only because of our lack of knowledge.

The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free.

Of all the things that are beyond my power, I value nothing more highly than to be allowed the honor of entering into bonds of friendship with people who sincerely love truth. For, of things beyond our power, I believe there is nothing in the world which we can love with tranquility except such men.

The greatest pride, or the greatest despondency, is the greatest ignorance of one's self.

Men are especially intolerant of serving and being ruled by, their equals.

Be not astonished at new ideas; for it is well known to you that a thing does not therefore cease to be true because it is not accepted by many.

For peace is not mere absence of war, but is a virtue that springs from force of character: for obedience is the constant will to execute what, by the general decree of the commonwealth, ought to be done.