We are all of us richer than we think we are; but we are taught to borrow and to beg, and brought up more to make use of what is another's than of our own.

If you have known how to compose your life, you have done a great deal more than the person who knows how to compose a book. You have done more than the one who has taken cities and empires.

After they had accustomed themselves at Rome to the spectacles of the slaughter of animals, they proceeded to those of the slaughter of men, to the gladiators.

Nature is a gentle guide, but not more sweet and gentle than prudent and just.

Amongst all other vices there is none I hate more than cruelty, both by nature and judgment, as the extremest of all vices.

I see this evident, that we willingly accord to piety only the services that flatter our passions.

Courtesy is a science of the highest importance. It is...opening a door that we may derive instruction from the example of others, and at the same time enabling us to benefit them by our example, if there be anything in our character worthy of imitation.