A benefit consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.

Epicurus says, "gratitude is a virtue that has commonly profit annexed to it." And where is the virtue that has not? But still the virtue is to be valued for itself, and not for the profit that attends it.

No man finds it difficult to return to nature except the man who has deserted nature.

It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness. As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.

A troubled countenance oft discloses much.

A hungry people listens not to reason, not cares for justice, nor is bent by any prayers.

I will have a care of being a slave to myself, for it is a perpetual, a shameful, and the heaviest of all servitudes; and this may be done by moderate desires.