A great step toward independence is a good-humoured stomach.

What difference does it make how much there is laid away in a man's safe or in his barns, how many head of stock he grazes or how much capital he puts out at interest, if he is always after what is another's and only counts what he has yet to get, never what he has already. You ask what is the proper limit to a person's wealth? First, having what is essential, and second, having what is enough.

Virtue hath no virtue if it be not impugned; then appeareth how great it is, of what value and power it is, when by patience it approveth what it works.

Many men would have arrived at wisdom had they not believed themselves to have arrived there already.

No one can have a peaceful life who thinks too much about lengthening it.

Remove severe restraint and what will become of virtue?

I shall never be ashamed to quote a bad author if what he says is good.