I have thought of a pulley to raise me gradually; but that would give me pain, as it would counteract my natural inclination. I would have something that can dissipate the inertia and give elasticity to the muscles. We can heat the body, we can cool it; we can give it tension or relaxation; and surely it is possible to bring it into a state in which rising from bed will not be a pain.

Our minds should not be empty because if they are not preoccupied by good, evil will break in upon them.

To read, write, and converse in due proportions, is, therefore, the business of a man of letters.

No man can have much kindness for him by whom he does not believe himself esteemed, and nothing so evidently proves esteem as imitation.

Courage is the greatest of all virtues, because if you haven't courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.

Allegories drawn to great length will always break.

Riches are of no value in themselves; their use is discovered only in that which they procure.