Great towns are but a large sort of prison to the soul; like cages to birds, or pounds to beasts.

[Envy not for...] Whatever difference there may appear to be in men's fortunes, there is still a certain compensation of good and ill in all, that makes them equal.

Riches should be admitted into our houses, but not into our hearts; we may take them into our possession, but not into our affections.

The true science and study of mankind is man.

The most excellent and divine counsel, the best and most profitable advertisement of all others, but the least practised, is to study and learn how to know ourselves. This is the foundation of wisdom and the highway to whatever is good. . . . God, Nature, the wise, the world, preach man, exhort him both by word and deed to the study of himself.

Gratitude is a duty none can be excused from, because it is always at our own disposal.

Great towns are but a large sort of prison to the soul; like cages to birds, or pounds to beasts.