A father is very miserable who has no other hold on his children's affection than the need they have of his assistance, if that can be called affection.

There is no virtue which does not rejoice a well-descended nature; there is a kind of I know not what congratulation in well-doing, that gives us an inward satisfaction, and a certain generous boldness that accompanies a good conscience.

If I can, I shall keep my death from saying anything that my life has not already said.

Man is the sole animal whose nudities offend his own companions, and the only one who, in his natural actions, withdraws and hides himself from his own kind.

If not for that of conscience, yet at least for ambition's sake, let us reject ambition, let us disdain that thirst of honor and renown, so low and mendicant; that it makes us beg it of all sorts of people.

There is little less trouble in governing a private family than a whole kingdom.

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