In my youth I studied for ostentation; later, a little to gain wisdom; now, for recreation; never for gain.

In plain Truth, it is no Want, but rather Abundance that creates Avarice.

The beautiful souls are they that are universal, open, and ready for all things.

Learning must not only lodge with us: we must marry her.

Great authors, when they write about causes, adduce not only those they think are true but also those they do not believe in, provided they have some originality and beauty. They speak truly and usefully enough if they speak ingeniously.

Ambition is, of all other, the most contrary humor to solitude; and glory and repose are so inconsistent that they cannot possibly inhabit one and the same place; and for so much as I understand, those have only their arms and legs disengaged from the crowd, their mind and intention remain engaged behind more than ever.

The curiosity of knowing things has been given to man for a scourge.