The richest soil, if uncultivated, produces the rankest weeds.

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.

Wickedness frames the engines of her own torment. She is a wonderful artisan of a miserable life.

Men who marry wives very much superior to themselves are not so truly husbands to their wives as they are unawares made slaves to their position.

Nature without learning is blind, learning apart from nature is fractional, and practice in the absence of both is aimless.

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

A traveller at Sparta, standing long upon one leg, said to a Lacedaemonian, "I do not believe you can do as much." "True," said he, "but every goose can."