All I desire is, that my poverty may not be a burden to myself, or make me so to others; and that is the best state of fortune that is neither directly necessitous nor far from it. A mediocrity of fortune, with gentleness of mind, will preserve us from fear or envy; which is a desirable condition; for no man wants power to do mischief.

It is to the interest of the commonwealth of mankind that there should be someone who is unconquered, someone against whom fortune has no power.

If you sit in judgment, investigate, if you sit in supreme power, sit in command.

We are more wicked together than separately. If you are forced to be in a crowd, then most of all you should withdraw into yourself.

Unfamiliarity lends weight to misfortune, and there was never a man whose grief was not heightened by surprise.

The abundance of books is distraction

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.