Be like a solid tower whose brave height remains unmoved by all the winds that blow; the man who lets his thoughts be turned aside by one thing or another, will lose sight of his true goal, his mind sapped of its strength.

In that part of the book of my memory before the which is little that can be read, there is a rubric, saying, Incipit Vita Nova. Under such rubric I find written many things; and among them the words which I purpose to copy into this little book; if not all of them, at the least their substance.

Because there is no man who can be true and just judge of himself, so much will self-love deceive him.

The human race finds itself in a better situation when it has the higher level of freedom.

At the midpoint on the journey of life, I found myself in a dark forest, for the clear path was lost.

The only fit reply to a fit request is silence and the fact.

I felt for the tormented whirlwinds Damned for their carnal sins Committed when they let their passions rule their reason.