The finest lives in my opinion are the common model, without miracle and without extravagance.

Saying is one thing and doing is another

God is favorable to those whom he makes to die by degrees; 'tis the only benefit of old age. The last death will be so much the less painful: it will kill but a quarter of a man or but half a one at most.

Since we cannot attain unto it, let us revenge ourselves by railing at it; and yet it is not absolutely railing against anything, to proclaim its defects, because they are in all things to be found, how beautiful or how much to be coveted soever.

An able reader often discovers in other people's writings perfections beyond those that the author put in or perceived, and lends them richer meanings and aspects.

Any person of honor chooses rather to lose his honor than to lose his conscience.

There is no doubt that Greek and Latin are great and handsome ornaments, but we buy them too dear.