Friendship requires a steady, constant, and unchangeable character, a person that is uniform in his intimacy.

Being conscious of having done a wicked action leaves stings of remorse behind it, which, like an ulcer in the flesh, makes the mind smart with perpetual wounds; for reason, which chases away all other pains, creates repentance, shames the soul with confusion, and punishes it with torment.

So very difficult a matter is it to trace and find out the truth of anything by history.

The same intelligence is required to marshal an army in battle and to order a good dinner. The first must be as formidable as possible, the second as pleasant as possible, to the participants.

Whenever anything is spoken against you that is not true, do not pass by or despise it because it is false; but forthwith examine yourself, and consider what you have said or done that may administer a just occasion of reproof.

The authors of great evils know best how to remove them.

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