Man is neither by birth nor disposition a savage, nor of unsocial habits, but only becomes so by indulging in vices contrary to his nature.

Reason speaks and feeling bites

Foreign lady once remarked to the wife of a Spartan commander that the women of Sparta were the only women in the world who could rule men. "We are the only women who raise men," the Spartan lady replied.

When one is transported by rage, it is best to observe attentively the effects on those who deliver themselves over to the same passion.

Rather I fear on the contrary that while we banish painful thoughts we may banish memory as well.

The crowns of kings do not prevent those who wear them from being tormented sometimes by violent headaches.

The flatterer's object is to please in everything he does; whereas the true friend always does what is right, and so often gives pleasure, often pain, not wishing the latter, but not shunning it either, if he deems it best.