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.

Everyone has as much right as he has might.

Those who know the true use of money, and regulate the measure of wealth according to their needs, live contented with few things.

Surely human affairs would be far happier if the power in men to be silent were the same as that to speak. But experience more than sufficiently teaches that men govern nothing with more difficulty than their tongues.

Happiness is a virtue, not its reward.

How would it be possible if salvation were ready to our hand, and could without great labor be found, that it should be by almost all men neglected? But all things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.

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