The worst readers are those who behave like plundering troops: they take away a few things they can use, dirty and confound the remainder, and revile the whole.

The errors of great men are venerable because they are more fruitful than the truths of little men.

One does well to put on gloves when reading the New Testament. The proximity of so much uncleanliness almost forces one to do this.

It is the most sensual men who need to flee women and torment their bodies.

When anyone apologizes to us he has to do it very expertly: otherwise we might easily come to see ourselves as the guilty party and experience unpleasant feelings.

I hate who steals my solitude, without really offer me in exchange company.

If an architect wants to strengthen a decrepit arch, he increases the load laid upon it, for thereby the parts are joined more firmly together.