It is not in Montaigne, but in myself, that I find all that I see in him.

From whence comes it that a cripple in body does not irritate us, and that a crippled mind enrages us? It is because a cripple sees that we go right, and a distorted mind says that it is we who go astray. But for that we should have more pity and less rage.

If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past or the future.

Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful. Kind words also produce their own image on men's souls; and a beautiful image it is. They smooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer.

Mediocrity makes the most of its native possessions.

Words differently arranged have a different meaning, and meanings differently arranged have different effects.

Chance gives rise to thoughts, and chance removes them; no art can keep or acquire them.