Why dost thou complain of this world? It detains thee not; thy own cowardice is the cause, if thou livest in pain.

A straight oar looks bent in the water. It matters not merely that we see a thing, but how we see it.

A man must keep a little back shop where he can be himself without reserve. In solitude alone can he know true freedom.

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.

While our pulse beats and we feel emotion, let us put off the business. Things will truly seem different to us when we have quieted and cooled down. It is passion that is in command at first, it is passion that speaks, it is not we ourselves.

I honor most those to whom I show least honor; and where my soul moves with great alacrity, I forget the proper steps of ceremony.

Tis so much to be a king, that he only is so by being so.