Those great and glorious actions that dazzle our eyes with their luster are represented by statesmen as the result of great wisdomand excellent design; whereas, in truth, they are commonly the effects of the humors and passions.

Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.

Moderation is the feebleness and sloth of the soul, whereas ambition is the warmth and activity of it.

The health of the soul is something we can be no more sure of than that of the body; and though a man may seem far from the passions, yet he is in as much danger of falling into them as one in a perfect state of health of having a fit of sickness.

A man's worth has its season, like fruit.

How can we be answerable for what we shall want in the future, since we have no clear idea of what we want now?

The judgments our enemies make about us come nearer to the truth than those we make about ourselves.