We should not speak so that it is possible for the audience to understand us, but so that it is impossible for them to misunderstand us.

Prune what is turgid, elevate what is commonplace, arrange what is disorderly, introduce rhythm where the language is harsh, modify where it is too absolute.

God, that all-powerful Creator of nature and architect of the world, has impressed man with no character so proper to distinguish him from other animals, as by the faculty of speech.

Nothing can be pleasing which is not also becoming.

Forbidden pleasures alone are loved immoderately; when lawful, they do not excite desire.

A liar must have a good memory. -Mendacem oportet esse memorem

Minds that are stupid and incapable of science are in the order of nature to be regarded as monsters and other extraordinary phenomena; minds of this sort are rare. Hence I conclude that there are great resources to be found in children, which are suffered to vanish with their years. It is evident, therefore, that it is not of nature, but of our own negligence, we ought to complain.