We have more poets than judges and interpreters of poetry. It is easier to write an indifferent poem than to understand a good one. There is, indeed, a certain low and moderate sort of poetry, that a man may well enough judge by certain rules of art; but the true, supreme, and divine poesy is equally above all rules and reason. And whoever discerns the beauty of it with the most assured and most steady sight sees no more than the quick reflection of a flash of lightning.

Meditation is a rich and powerful method of study for anyone who knows how to examine his mind.

He that is a friend to himself, know; he is a friend to all.

There is a plague on Man, the opinion that he knows something.

A man should ever, as much as in him lieth, be ready booted to take his journey, and above all things look he have then nothing to do but with himself.

If I were a maker of books I should compile a register, with comments, of different deaths. He who should teach people to die, would teach them to live.

There is power in ambition, pleasure in luxury...but envy can gain nothing but vexation.