The evil implanted in man by nature spreads so imperceptibly, when the habit of wrong-doing is unchecked, that he himself can set no limit to his shamelessness.

If a man cannot feel the power of God when he looks upon the stars, then I doubt whether he is capable of any feeling at all.

Whatever is done without ostentation, and without the people being witnesses of it, is, in my opinion, most praiseworthy: not that the public eye should be entirely avoided, for good actions desire to be placed in the light; but notwithstanding this, the greatest theater for virtue is conscience.

Study carefully, the character of the one you recommend, lest their misconduct bring you shame.

Cultivation to the mind is as necessary as food to the body.

It is the act of a bad man to deceive by falsehood.

This is the part of a great man, after he has maturely weighed all circumstances, to punish the guilty, to spare the many, and in every state of fortune not to depart from an upright, virtuous conduct.