We cannot fail in following nature.

We should spread joy, but, as far as we can, repress sorrow.

A straight oar looks bent in the water. It matters not merely that we see a thing, but how we see it.

Not being able to govern events, I govern myself, and apply myself to them if they will not apply themselves to me.

What a wonderful thing it is that drop of seed, from which we are produced, bears in itself the impressions, not only of the bodily shape, but of the thoughts and inclinations of our fathers!

Decency, not to dare to do that in public which it is decent enough to do in private.

For table-talk, I prefer the pleasant and witty before the learned and the grave; in bed, beauty before goodness.