The height and value of true virtue consists in the facility, utility, and pleasure of its exercise; so far from difficulty, that boys, as well as men, and the innocent as well as the subtle, may make it their own; and it is by order and good conduct, and not by force, that it is to be acquired.

I speak to the paper, as I speak to the first person I meet.

I turn my gaze inward. I fix it there and keep it busy. I look inside myself. I continually observe myself.

The first distinction among men, and the first consideration that gave one precedence over another, was doubtless the advantage of beauty.

Such as are in immediate fear of a losing their estates, of banishment, or of slavery, live in perpetual anguish, and lose all appetite and repose; whereas such as are actually poor, slaves, or exiles, ofttimes live as merrily as other folk.

There is power in ambition, pleasure in luxury...but envy can gain nothing but vexation.

For me, who only desire to become wise, not more learned or eloquent, these logical or Aristotelian dispositions of parts are of no use.