We must not inquire too curiously into the absolute value of literature. Enough that it amuses and exercises us. At least it leaves us where we were. It names things, but does not add things.

The first questions are always to be asked, and the wisest doctor is gravelled by the inquisitiveness of a child.

What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.

The heroic soul does not sell its justice and its nobleness. It does not ask to dine nicely and to sleep warm. The essence of greatness is the perception that virtue is enough. Poverty is its ornament. It does not need plenty, and can very well abide its loss.

Manners are the happy ways of doing things; each once a stroke of genius or of love, now repeated and hardened into usage.

Power is the first good.

There is always safety in valor.