On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom.

The corruption of the age is made up by the particular contribution of every individual man; some contribute treachery, others injustice, atheism, tyranny, avarice, cruelty, according to their power.

Happiness involves working toward meaningful goals.

I speak the truth, not my fill of it, but as much as I dare speak; and I dare to do so a little more as I grow old.

Wit is a dangerous weapon, even to the possessor, if he knows not how to use it discreetly.

The great and glorious masterpiece of men is to live to the point. All other things-to reign, to hoard, to build-are, at most, but inconsiderable props and appendages.

The most unhappy and frail creatures are men and yet they are the proudest.