Progress has not followed a straight ascending line, but a spiral with rhythms of progress and retrogression, of evolution and dissolution.

Certain flaws are necessary for the whole. It would seem strange if old friends lacked certain quirks.

The most happy man is he who knows how to bring into relation the end and beginning of his life.

Who is the most sensible person? The one who finds what is to their own advantage in all that happens to them.

Over all the mountain tops is peace. In all treetops you perceive scarcely a breath. The little birds in the forest are silent. Wait then; soon, you too, will have peace.

Several classical sayings that one likes to repeat had quite a different meaning from the ones later times attributed to them.

Distrust those in whom the desire to punish is strong.