Books delight to the very marrow of one's bones. They speak to us, consult with us, and join with us in a living and intense intimacy.

Since, during storms, flames leap from the humid vapors and dark clouds emit deafening noises, is it surprising the lightning, when it strikes the ground, gives rise to truffles, which do not resemble plants?

The ripeness of adolescence is prodigal in pleasures, skittish, and in need of a bridle.

Children are to be won to follow liberal studies by exhortations and rational motives, and on no account to be forced thereto by whipping.

Rome was in the most dangerous inclination to change on account of the unequal distribution of wealth and property, those of highest rank and greatest spirit having impoverished themselves by shows, entertainments, ambition of offices, and sumptuous buildings, and the riches of the city having thus fallen into the hands of mean and low-born persons. So that there wanted but a slight impetus to set all in motion, it being in the power of every daring man to overturn a sickly commonwealth.

In words are seen the state of mind and character and disposition of the speaker.

Moral habits, induced by public practices, are far quicker in making their way into men's private lives, than the failings and faults of individuals are in infecting the city at large.