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

Rejoice in the things that are present; all else is beyond thee.

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

If a man should importune me to give a reason why I loved him, I find it could no otherwise be expressed, than by making answer: because it was he, because it was I.

I listen with attention to the judgment of all men; but so far as I can remember, I have followed none but my own.

For among other things he had been counseled to bring me to love knowledge and duty by my own choice, without forcing my will, and to educate my soul entirely through gentleness and freedom.

I am much afraid that we shall have very greatly hastened the decline and ruin of the New World by our contagion, and that we willhave sold it our opinions and our arts very dear.