Vain is equivalent to empty; thus vanity is so miserable a thing, that one cannot give it a worse name than its own. It proclaims itself for what it is.

Do not suppose opportunity will knock twice at your door.

He who disguises tyranny, protection, or even benefits under the air and name of friendship reminds me of the guilty priest who poisoned the sacramental bread.

To enjoy and give enjoyment, without injury to yourself or others; this is true morality.

Education must have two foundations --morality as a support for virtue, prudence as a defense for self against the vices of others. By letting the balance incline to the side of morality, you only make dupes or martyrs; by letting it incline to the other, you make calculating egoists.

Too elevated qualities often unfit a man for society. We do not go to market with ingots, but with silver and small change.

Swallow a toad in the morning and you will encounter nothing more disgusting the rest of the day.