The most certain sign of wisdom is a continual cheerfulness; her state is like that of things in the regions above the moon, always clear and serene.

As for me, then, I love life and cultivate it just as God has been pleased to grant it to us.

Other passions have objects to flatter them, and seem to content and satisfy them for a while; there is power in ambition, pleasure in luxury, and pelf in covetousness; but envy can gain nothing but vexation.

To know how to live is my trade and my art.

There is no man so good that if he placed all his actions and thoughts under the scrutiny of the laws, he would not deserve hanging ten times in his life.

Opinion is a powerful party, bold, and without measure.

The middle sort of historians (of which the most part are) spoil all; they will chew our meat for us.