While the fates permit, live happily; life speeds on with hurried step, and with winged days the wheel of the headlong year is turned.

It is a world of mischief that may be done by a single example of avarice or luxury. One voluptuous palate makes many more.

We should every night call ourselves to an account: What infirmity have I mastered today? What passions opposed? What temptation resisted? What virtue acquired? Our vices will abate of themselves if they be brought every day to the shrift.

Men love their country, not because it is great, but because it is their own.

Be not too hasty either with praise or blame; speak always as though you were giving evidence before the judgement-seat of the Gods.

When you see a man in distress, recognize him as a fellow man.

A good person dyes events with his own color . . . and turns whatever happens to his own benefit.