In plain truth, lying is an accursed vice. We are not men, nor have any other tie upon another, but by our word.

There is nothing useless in nature; not even uselessness itself

Natural inclinations are assisted and reinforced by education, but they are hardly ever altered or overcome.

We cannot be held to what is beyond our strength and means; for at times the accomplishment and execution may not be in our power, and indeed there is nothing really in our own power except the will: on this are necessarily based and founded all the principles that regulate the duty of man.

It is in vain that we get upon stilts, for once on them, it is still with our legs that we must walk. And on the highest throne in the world we are still sitting on our own ass.

The world is but a school of inquisition; it is not who shall enter the ring, but who shall run the best courses.

To compose our character is our duty, not to compose books, and to win, not battles and provinces, but order and tranquility in our conduct. Our great and glorious masterpiece is to live appropriately. All other things, ruling, hoarding, building, are only little appendages and props, at most.