To compose our character is our duty, not to compose books, and to win, not battles and provinces, but order and tranquillity in our conduct.

It has never occurred to me to wish for empire or royalty, nor for the eminence of those high and commanding fortunes. My aim lies not in that direction; I love myself too well.

If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than it was because he was he, and I was I.

We wake sleeping, and sleep waking. I do not see so clearly in my sleep; but as to my being awake, I never found it clear enough and free from clouds.

A hair shirt does not always render those chaste who wear it.

Only he can judge of matters great and high whose soul is likewise.

In my youth I studied for ostentation; later, a little to gain wisdom; now, for recreation; never for gain.