It would not be difficult to be a better ruler than I was: for I admit that I ruled badly; and even if I was fortunate enough to satisfy my subjects, I was not fortunate enough to satisfy myself.

Every man is his own worst enemy

As you know, no one over thirty years of age is afraid of tittle-tattle. I myself find it much less difficult to strangle a man than to fear him.

You should be more afraid of a stupid man than of an evil one.

I was born, have lived, and will die free.

We read for instruction, for correction, and for consolation.

There is a star above us which unites souls of the first order, though worlds and ages separate them.