What man in his right senses, that has wherewithal to live free, would make himself a slave for superfluities? What does that man want who has enough? Or what is he the better for abundance that can never be satisfied.

The blessings of fortune are the lowest; the next are the bodily advantages of strength and health; but the superlative blessings, in fine, are those of the mind.

Partiality in a parent is unlucky; for fondlings are in danger to be made fools.

It is not the place, nor the condition, but the mind alone that can make anyone happy or miserable.

There are braying men in the world, as well as braying asses; for what is loud and senseless talking any other than away of braying?

There is no opposing brutal force to the stratagems of human reason.

The fairest blossoms of pleasantry thrive best where the sun is not strong enough to scorch, nor the soil rank enough to corrupt.