They [zealots] would have everybody be as blind as themselves: to them, to be clear-sighted is libertinism.

One can be well-bred and write bad poetry

Even Rome cannot grant us a dispensation from death.

We ought always to conform to the manners of the greater number, and so behave as not to draw attention to ourselves. Excess either way shocks, and every man truly wise ought to attend to this in his dress as well as language, never to be affected in anything and follow without being in too great haste the changes of fashion.

When we are understood, we always speak well, and then all your fine diction serves no purpose.

unbroken happiness is a bore: it should have ups and downs.

Our minds need relaxation, and give way unless we mix with work a little play.