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.

The most imperious masters over their own servants are at the same time the most abject slaves to the servants of others.

The pressure of adversity does not affect the mind of the brave man. It is more powerful than external circumstances.

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that things are difficult

The fear of war is worse than war itself.

Certain laws have not been written, but they are more fixed than all the written laws.

The deferring of anger is the best antidote to anger.