One man may have some special knowledge at first-hand about the character of a river or a spring, who otherwise knows only what everyone else knows. Yet to give currency to this shred of information, he will undertake to write on the whole science of physics. From this fault many great troubles spring.

I love a gay and sociable wisdom, and shun harshness and austerity in behaviour, holding every surly countenance suspect.

The worst condition of humans is when they lose knowledge and control of themselves.

Rash and incessant scolding runs into custom and renders itself despised.

Custom is a second nature, and no less powerful.

We have no participation in Being, because all human nature is ever midway between being born and dying, giving off only a vague image and shadow of itself, and a weak and uncertain opinion. And if you chance to fix your thoughts on trying to grasp its essence, it would be neither more nor less than if your tried to clutch water.

Why dost thou complain of this world? It detains thee not; thy own cowardice is the cause, if thou livest in pain.