There is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.

If we desire to judge justly, we must persuade ourselves that none of us is without sin.

Shun no toil to make yourself remarkable by some talent or other.

The man who thinks only of his own generation is born for few.

There is no evil that does not promise inducements. Avarice promises money; luxury, a varied assortment of pleasures; ambition, a purple robe and applause. Vices tempt you by the rewards they offer.

The shortest road to wealth lies in the contempt of wealth.

It is man's duty to live in conformity with the divine will, and this means, firstly, bringing his life into line with 'nature's laws', and secondly, resigning himself completely and uncomplainingly to whatever fate may send him. Only by living thus, and not setting too high a value on things which can at any moment be taken away from him, can he discover that true, unshakeable peace and contentment to which ambition, luxury and above all avarice are among the greatest obstacles.