Perfection is immutable. But for things imperfect, change is the way to perfect them.

It is much safer to reconcile an enemy than to conquer him; victory may deprive him of his poison, but reconciliation of his will.

Time is like a ship which never anchors; while I am on board, I had better do those things that may profit me at my landing, than practice such as shall cause my commitment when I come ashore.

Discontent is like ink poured into water, which fills the whole fountain full of blackness.

Pleasures can undo a man at any time, if yielded to.

Every man should study conciseness in speaking; it is a sign of ignorance not to know that long speeches, though they may please the speaker, are the torture of the hearer.

Contemplation is necessary to generate an object, but action must propagate it.