Temperance and labor are the two best physicians of man; labor sharpens the appetite, and temperance prevents from indulging to excess

I undertake the same project as Montaigne, but with an aim contrary to his own: for he wrote his Essays only for others, and I write my reveries only for myself.

I have suffered too much in this world not to hope for another.

Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it.

Absolute silence leads to sadness. It is the image of death.

It is easier to conquer than to administer. With enough leverage, a finger could overturn the world; but to support the world, one must have the shoulders of Hercules.

Even knaves may be made good for something.