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.

But being overborne with numbers, and nobody daring to face about, stretching out his hands to heaven, [Romulus] prayed to Jupiter to stop the army, and not to neglect but maintain the Roman cause, now in extreme danger. The prayer was no sooner made, than shame and respect for their king checked many; the fears of the fugitives changed suddenly into confidence.

It is a high distinction for a homely woman to be loved for her character rather than for beauty.

It is the admirer of himself, and not the admirer of virtue, that thinks himself superior to others.

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.

It does not follow, that because a particular work of art succeeds in charming us, its creator also deserves our admiration.

Alexander esteemed it more kingly to govern himself than to conquer his enemies.