Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind, which are delivered down from generation to generation as presents to the posterity of those who are yet unborn.

Who does not more admire Cicero as an author than as a consul of Rome?

Men who cherish for women the highest respect are seldom popular with them.

To be exempt from the passions with which others are tormented, is the only pleasing solitude.

Education is a companion which no misfortune can depress, no crime can destroy, no enemy can alienate, no despotism can enslave. At home, a friend, abroad, an introduction, in solitude a solace and in society an ornament. It chastens vice, it guides virtue, it gives at once grace and government to genius. Without it, what is man? A splendid slave, a reasoning savage.

Good-breeding shows itself most where to an ordinary eye it appears the least.

Nothing, says Longinus, can be great, the contempt of which is great.