Every man may speak truly, but to speak methodically, prudently, and fully is a talent that few men have.

Fortune, to show us her power in all things, and to abate our presumption, seeing she could not make fools wise, has made them fortunate.

It is in the enjoyment and not in mere possession that makes for happiness.

If there is such a thing as a good marriage, it is because it resembles friendship rather than love.

I do not teach. I relate.

I do not know whether I would not like much better to have produced one perfectly formed child by intercourse with the muses than by intercourse with my wife.

Most men are rich in borrowed sufficiency: a man may very well say a good thing, give a good answer, cite a good sentence, without at all seeing the force of either the one or the other.