The first law that ever God gave to man was a law of pure obedience; it was a commandment naked and simple, wherein man had nothing to inquire after, or to dispute, forasmuch as to obey is the proper office of a rational soul, acknowledging a heavenly superior and benefactor. From obedience and submission spring all other virtues, as all sin does from self-opinion.

Socrates, who was a perfect model in all great qualities, ... hit on a body and face so ugly and so incongruous with the beauty of his soul, he who was so madly in love with beauty.

It is only certain that there is nothing certain, and that nothing is more miserable or more proud than man.

A man may by custom fortify himself against pain, shame, and suchlike accidents; but as to death, we can experience it but once, and are all apprentices when we come to it

The secret counsels of princes are a troublesome burden to such as have only to execute them.

Desire and hope will push us on toward the future.

Our religion is made to eradicate vices, instead it encourages them, covers them, and nurtures them.