As small letters hurt the sight, so do small matters him that is too much intent upon them; they vex and stir up anger, which begets an evil habit in him in reference to greater affairs.

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

Speech is like cloth of Arras opened and put abroad, whereby the imagery doth appear in figure; whereas in thoughts they lie but as packs.

For, in the language of Heraclitus, the virtuous soul is pure and unmixed light, springing from the body as a flash of lightning darts from the cloud. But the soul that is carnal and immersed in sense, like a heavy and dank vapor, can with difficulty be kindled, and caused to raise its eyes heavenward.

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

Custom is almost a second nature.

Poverty is not dishonorable in itself, but only when it comes from idleness, intemperance, extravagance, and folly.