It is proof of a narrow mind when things worthy of esteem are distinguished from things worthy of love. Great minds naturally love whatever is worthy of their esteem.

All that causes one man to differ from another is a very slight thing. What is it that is the origin of beauty or ugliness, health or weakness, ability or stupidity? A slight difference in the organs, a little more or a little less bile. Yet this more or less is of infinite importance to men; and when they think otherwise they are mistaken.

When we feel that we lack whatever is needed to secure someone else's esteem, we are very close to hating him

We can console ourselves for not having great talents as we console ourselves for not having great places. We can be above both in our hearts.

Great men, like nature, use simple language.

As it is natural to believe many things without proof, so, despite all proof, is it natural to disbelieve others.

To achieve great things we must live as though we were never going to die.