Lay a beam between these two towers of such width as we need to walk on: there is no philosophical wisdom of such great firmness that it can give us courage to walk on it as we should if it were on the ground.

Once conform, once do what others do because they do it, and a kind of lethargy steals over all the finer senses of the soul.

I study myself more than any other subject. That is my metaphysics, that is my physics.

Why dost thou complain of this world? It detains thee not; thy own cowardice is the cause, if thou livest in pain.

The pleasure we hold in esteem for the course of our lives ought to have a greater share of our time dedicated to it; we should refuse no occasion nor omit any opportunity of drinking, and always have it in our minds.

How often, being moved under a false cause, if the person offending makes a good defense and presents us with a just excuse, are we angry against truth and innocence itself?

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