Nothing in the universe is contingent, but all things are conditioned to exist and operate in a particular manner by the necessity of the divine nature.

Surely human affairs would be far happier if the power in men to be silent were the same as that to speak.

Blessedness is not the reward of virtue but virtue itself.

In regard to intellect and true virtue, every nation is on a par with the rest, and God has not in these respects chosen one people rather than another.

The terms good and bad indicate no positive quality in things regarded in themselves, but are merely modes of thinking or notions, which we form from the comparison of things one with another. Thus one and the same thing can be at the same time good, bad, and indifferent. For instance, music is good for him that is melancholy, bad for him that mourns; for him that is deaf; it is neither good nor bad.

If anyone conceives that he is loved by another, and believes that he has given no cause for such love, he will love that other in return.

Statesman are suspected of plotting against mankind, rather than consulting their interests, and are esteemed more crafty than learned.