All cruelty springs from weakness.

Nothing is more disgraceful than that an old man should have nothing to show to prove that he has lived long, except his years.

I have withdrawn not only from men, but from affairs, especially my own affairs; I am working for later generations, writing down some ideas that may be of assistance to them.

The most miserable mortals are they that deliver themselves up to their palates, or to their lusts; the pleasure is short, and turns presently nauseous, and the end of it is either shame or repentance.

What a great blessing is a friend with a heart so trusty you may safely bury all your secrets in it.

Virtue is shut out from no one; she is open to all, accepts all, invites all, gentlemen, freedmen, slaves, kings, and exiles; she selects neither house nor fortune; she is satisfied with a human being without adjuncts.

The best ideas are common property.