The wise person often shuns society for fear of being bored.

Laziness begat wearisomeness, and this put men in quest of diversions, play and company, on which however it is a constant attendant; he who works hard, has enough to do with himself otherwise.

The whole genius of an author consists in describing well, and delineating character well. Homer, Plato, Virgil, Horace only excel other writers by their expressions and images; we must indicate what is true if we mean to write naturally, forcibly and delicately.

Men fall from great fortune because of the same shortcomings that led to their rise.

It is virtue which should determine us in the choice of our friends, without inquiring into their good or evil fortune.

It's motive alone which gives character to the actions of men.

When a secret is revealed, it is the fault of the man who confided it.