Knowledge always desires increase, it is like fire, which must first be kindled by some external agent, but which will afterwards propagate itself.

If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.

Madam, before you flatter a man so grossly to his face, you should consider whether or not your flattery is worth his having.

He who aspires to be a serious wine drinker must drink claret.

That all who are happy are equally happy is not true. A peasant and a philosopher may be equally satisfied, but not equally happy. A small drinking glass and a large one may be equally full, but the large one holds more than the small.

Prudence is an attitude that keeps life safe, but does not often make it happy.

There must always be a struggle between a father and son, while one aims at power and the other at independence.