The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.

The superstitious man wishes he did not believe in gods, as the atheist does not, but fears to disbelieve in them.

The state of life is most happy where superfluities are not required and necessities are not wanting.

Had I a careful and pleasant companion that should show me my angry face in a glass, I should not at all take it ill; to behold man's self so unnaturally disguised and dishonored will conduce not a little to the impeachment of anger.

Let us carefully observe those good qualities wherein our enemies excel us; and endeavor to excel them, by avoiding what is faulty, and imitating what is excellent in them.

A human body in no way resembles those that were born for ravenousness; it hath no hawk's bill, no sharp talon, no roughness of teeth, no such strength of stomach or heat of digestion, as can be sufficient to convert or alter such heavy and fleshy fare.

We rich men count our felicity and happiness to lie in these superfluities, and not in those necessary things.