We judge a horse not only by its pace on a racecourse, but also by its walk, nay, when resting in its stable.

Peoples nurtured on freedom and self-government judge any other form of polity to be deformed and unnatural. Those who are used to monarchy do the same .

Necessity reconciles and brings men together; and this accidental connection afterward forms itself into laws.

I seek in books only to give myself pleasure by honest amusement; or if I study, I seek only the learning that treats of the knowledge of myself and instructs me in how to die well and live well.

I look upon the too good opinion that man has of himself, as the nursing mother of all false opinions, both public and private.

To know how to live is my trade and my art.

The corruption of the age is made up by the particular contribution of every individual man; some contribute treachery, others injustice, atheism, tyranny, avarice, cruelty, according to their power.