Blinded as they are to their true character by self-love, every man is his own first and chiefest flatterer, prepared, therefore, to welcome the flatterer from the outside, who only comes confirming the verdict of the flatterer within.

Lamentation is the only musician that always, like a screech-owl, alights and sits on the roof of any angry man.

Were it only to learn benevolence to humankind, we should be merciful to other creatures.

I had rather men should ask why my statue is not set up, than why it is.

The belly has no ears.

The obligations of law and equity reach only to mankind; but kindness and beneficence should be extended to the creatures of every species, and these will flow from the breast of a true man, as streams that issue from the living fountain.

A friend should be like money, tried before being required, not found faulty in our need.