Most of our occupations are low comedy.... We must play our part duly, but as the part of a borrowed character. Of the mask and appearance we must not make a real essence, nor of what is foreign what is our very own.

Whoever will be cured of ignorance, let him confess it.

To compose our character is our duty, not to compose books, and to win, not battles and provinces, but order and tranquility in our conduct. Our great and glorious masterpiece is to live appropriately. All other things, ruling, hoarding, building, are only little appendages and props, at most.

Is it reasonable that even the arts should take advantage of and profit by our natural stupidity and feebleness of mind?

I consider myself an average man, except in the fact that I consider myself an average man.

Pride and curiosity are the two scourges of our souls. The latter prompts us to poke our noses into everything, and the former forbids us to leave anything unresolved and undecided.

Wit is a dangerous weapon, even to the possessor, if he knows not how to use it discreetly.