All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.

In truth, knowledge is a great and very useful quality; those who despise it give evidence enough of their stupidity. Yet I do not set its value at that extreme measure that some attribute to it.

In the examples that I here bring in of what I have [read], heard, done or said, I have refrained from daring to alter even the smallest and most indifferent circumstances. My conscience falsifies not an iota; for my knowledge I cannot answer.

What kind of truth is it which has these mountains as its boundary and is a lie beyond them?

Age imprints more wrinkles a in the mind, than it does in the face, and souls are never, or very rarely seen, that in growing old do not smell sour and musty. Man moves all together, both towards his perfection and decay.

Friendship is the highest degree of perfection in society.

Hath God obliged himself not to exceed the bounds of our knowledge?