We have power over nothing except our will.

Poverty of goods is easily cured; poverty of soul, impossible.

Those who give the first shock to a state are the first overwhelmed in its ruin; the fruits of public commotion are seldom enjoyed by him who was the first mover; he only beats the water for another's net.

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.

There is no man so good, who, were he to submit all his thoughts and actions to the laws, would not deserve hanging ten times in his life.

There is a plague on Man, the opinion that he knows something.

Men ... are not agreed about any one thing, not even that heaven is over our heads.