We are wrong in looking forward to death: in great measure it's past already.

We are as answerable for what we give as for what we receive; nay, the misplacing of a benefit is worse than the not receiving of it; for the one is another person's fault, but the other is mine.

The wise man lives as long as he should, not just as long as he likes.

The artist finds a greater pleasure in painting than in having completed the picture.

He who begs timidly courts a refusal.

There are a few men whom slavery holds fast, but there are many more who hold fast to slavery.

Whatsoever has exceeded its proper limit is in an unstable position.