He who cannot establish dominion over himself will have no dominion over others.

Though I may not . . . be able to quote other authors, I shall rely on that which is much greater and more worthy - on experience.

The acquisition of knowledge is always of use to the intellect, because it may thus drive out useless things and retain the good. For nothing can be loved or hated unless it is first known.

The poet ranks far below the painter in the representation of visible things, and far below the musician in that of invisible things.

The Bactrian have two humps; the Arabian one only. They are swift in battle and most useful to carry burdens. This animal is extremely observant of rule and measure, for it will not move if it has a greater weight than it is used to, and if it is taken too far it does the same, and suddenly stops and so the merchants are obliged to lodge there.

A good painter has two main objects to paint, man and the intention of his soul.

The discovery of a good wine is increasingly better for mankind than the discovery of a new star.