Indeed, there is no such thing as an altogether ugly woman — or altogether beautiful.

I would rather be an expert on me than on Cicero

I am one of those who hold that poetry is never so blithe as in a wanton and irregular subject.

Friendship is a creature formed for a companionship not for a herd.

It is a disaster that wisdom forbids you to be satisfied with yourself and always sends you away dissatisfied and fearful, whereas stubbornness and foolhardiness fill their hosts with joy and assurance.

I, who am king of the matter I treat, and who owe an accounting for it to no one, do not for all that believe myself in all I write. I often hazard sallies of my mind which I mistrust.

Fame and tranquility can never be bedfellows.