A lucky chance is constant in nothing but inconstancy.

Just as nature takes every obstacle, every impediment, and works around it--turns it to its purposes, incorporates it into itself, so, too, a rational being can turn each setback into raw material and use it to achieve its goal.

A rational nature admits of nothing but what is serviceable to the rest of mankind.

As surgeons keep their instruments and knives always at hand for cases requiring immediate treatment, so shouldst thou have thy thoughts ready to understand things divine and human, remembering in thy every act, even the smallest, how close is the bond that unites the two.

I consist of a little body and a soul.

Why should any of these things that happen externally distract thee? Give thyself leisure to learn some good thing: cease roving to and fro.

We are born for cooperation, as are the feet, the hands, the eyelids, and the upper and lower jaws.