This life is only a prelude to eternity.

That which achieves its effect by accident is not art.

The voice is nothing but beaten air.

I do not sacrifice, but lend myself to business.

Nothing is void of God, his work is everywhere his full of himself.

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.

Precepts or maxims are of great weight; and a few useful ones at hand do more toward a happy life than whole volumes that we know not where to find.