The best belongs to me and mine; and if we are not given it, we take it: the best food, the purest sky, the most robust thoughts, the fairest women!

The sick woman especially: no one surpasses her in refinements for ruling, oppressing, tyrannising.

When, however, you have an enemy, then do not requite him good for evil: for that would shame him. Instead, prove that he did some good for you. And rather be angry than put to shame! And when you are cursed, I do not like it that you want to bless. Rather curse a little also! And if you are done a great injustice, then quickly add five small ones. Hideous to behold is he who is obsessed with an injustice.

They would have to sing better songs for me to learn to have faith in their Redeemer; and his disciples would have to look more redeemed!

The most perfidious way of harming a cause consists of defending it deliberately with faulty arguments.

The more abstract the truth you wish to teach, the more must you allure the senses to it.

Ye shall only have foes to be hated; but not foes to be despised: ye must be proud of your foes.