If some persons died, and others did not die, death would be a terrible affliction.

When a work lifts your spirits and inspires bold and noble thoughts in you, do not look for any other standard to judge by: the work is good, the product of a master craftsman.

A vain man finds it wise to speak good or ill of himself; a modest man does not talk of himself.

The most important things must be said simply, for they are spoiled by bombast; whereas trivial things must be described grandly, for they are supported only by aptness of expression, tone and manner.

We must confess that at present the rich predominate, but the future will be for the virtuous and ingenious.

The noblest deeds are well enough set forth in simple language; emphasis spoils them.

It is very rare to find ground which produces nothing; if it is not covered with flowers, with fruit trees and grains, it produces briers and pines. It is the same with man; if he is not virtuous, he becomes vicious.