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

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.

No beast is more savage than man when possessed with power answerable to his rage.

Prosperity has this property, it puffs up narrow Souls, makes them imagine themselves high and mighty, and look down upon the World with Contempt; but a truly noble and resolved Spirit appears greatest in Distress, and then becomes more bright and conspicuous.

Note that the eating of flesh is not only physically against nature, but it also makes us spiritually coarse and gross by reason of satiety and surfeit.

For to err in opinion, though it be not the part of wise men, is at least human.

Good birth is a fine thing, but the merit is our ancestors.