But in all despotic governments, though a particular prince may favour arts and letter, there is a natural degeneracy of mankind.

Plutarch says very finely that a man should not allow himself to hate even his enemies.

Great souls by instinct to each other turn, demand alliance, and in friendship burn.

A good conscience is to the soul what health is to the body; it preserves constant ease and serenity within us; and more than countervails all the calamities and afflictions which can befall us from without.

Man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter.

From hence, let fierce contending nations know, what dire effects from civil discord flow.

It is wonderful to see persons of sense passing away a dozen hours together in shuffling and dividing a pack of cards.