Business in a certain sort of men is a mark of understanding, and they are honored for it. Their souls seek repose in agitation, as children do by being rocked in a cradle. They may pronounce themselves as serviceable to their friends as troublesome to themselves. No one distributes his money to others, but every one therein distributes his time and his life. There is nothing of which we are so prodigal as of those two things, of which to be thrifty would be both commendable and useful.
Michel de MontaigneThe honor we receive from those that fear us, is not honor; those respects are paid to royalty and not to me.
Michel de MontaigneObstinacy and contention are common qualities, most appearing in, and best becoming, a mean and illiterate soul.
Michel de MontaigneOh, a friend! How true is that old saying, that the enjoyment of one is sweeter and more necessary than that of the elements of water and fire!
Michel de Montaigne