If a gem falls into mud it is still valuable. If dust ascends to heaven, it remains valueless.
Riches are intended for the comfort of life, and not life for the purpose of hoarding riches.
When a mean wretch cannot vie with another in virtue, out of his wickedness he begins to slander. The abject envious wretch will slander the virtuous man when absent, but when brought face to face his loquacious tongue becomes dumb.
A man of virtue, judgment, and prudence speaks not until there is silence.
A grateful dog is better than an ungrateful man.
Religion is only in the service of the people; it is not in the rosary and the prayer-carpet.