The mind, unless it is pure and holy, cannot see God.

He that does good to another does good also to himself, not only in the consequence but in the very act. For the consciousness of well-doing is in itself ample reward.

Sadness usually results from one of the following causes either when a man does not succeed, or is ashamed of his success.

If you are bent on assuming a pose and never reveal yourself to anyone frankly, in the fashion of many who live a false life that is all made up for show; for it is torturous to be constantly watching oneself and be fearful of being caught out of our usual role. And we are never free from concern if we think that every time anyone looks at us he is always taking-our measure; for many things happen that strip off our pretence against our will, and, though all this attention to self is successful, yet the life of those who live under a mask cannot be happy and without anxiety.

The great thing is to know when to speak and when to keep quiet.

One hand washes the other.

When God has once begun to throw down the prosperous, He overthrows them altogether: such is the end of the mighty.