I am never less alone than when alone.

The first bond of society is the marriage tie; the next our children; then the whole family of our house, and all things in common.

Before beginning, prepare carefully.

Nothing is so unpredictable as a throw of the dice, and yet every man who plays often will at some time or other make a Venus-cast: now and then he indeed will make it twice and even thrice in succession. Are we going to be so feebleminded then as to aver that such a thing happened by the personal intervention of Venus rather than by pure luck?

Old age, especially an honored old age, has so great authority, that this is of more value than all the pleasures of youth.

It is besides necessary that whoever is brave should be a man of great soul.

He who has a garden and a library wants for nothing.