Books are pleasant, but if by being over-studious we impair our health and spoil our good humour, two of the best things we have, let us give it over. I, for my part, am one of those who think no fruit derived from them can recompense so great a loss.

The conduct of our lives is the true mirror of our doctrine.

I will follow the right side even to the fire, but excluding the fire if I can.

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

Thus we should beware of clinging to vulgar opinions, and judge things by reason's way, not by popular say.

This idea is more surely understood by interrogation; WHAT DO I KNOW? which I bear as my motto with the emblem of a pair of scales.

I set forth a humble and inglorious life; that does not matter. You can tie up all moral philosophy with a common and private life just as well as with a life of richer stuff. Each man bears the entire form of man's estate.