We must learn to suffer what we cannot evade; our life, like the harmony of the world, is composed of contrary things, and one part is no less necessary than the other.

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 put forward formless and unresolved notions, as do those who publish doubtful questions to debate in the schools, not to establish the truth but to seek it.

When a Roman was returning from a trip, he used to send someone ahead to let his wife know, so as not to surprise her in the act.

People of our time are so formed for agitation and ostentation that goodness, moderation, equability, constancy, and such quiet and obscure qualities are no longer felt.

The shortest way to arrive at glory would be to do that for conscience which we do for glory.

The laws of conscience, which we pretend to be derived from nature, proceed from Custom.