I look upon the pleasure which we take in a garden as one of the most innocent delights in human life. . . It gives us a great insight into the contrivance and wisdom of Nature, and suggests innumerable subjects for meditation.

There is nothing proper about what you are doing, soldier, but do try to kill me properly.

The study and knowledge of the universe would somehow be lame and defective were no practical results to follow.

If some lose their whole fortunes, they will drag many more down with them . . . believe me that the whole system of credit and finance which is carried on here at Rome in the Forum, is inextricably bound up with the revenues of the Asiatic province. If Those revenues are destroyed, our whole system of credit will come down with a crash.

The contemplation of celestial things will make a man both speak and think more sublimely and magnificently when he descends to human affairs.

It is virtue itself that produces and sustains friendship, not without virtue can friendship by any possibility exist.

The pursuit, even of the best things, ought to be calm and tranquil.