A large library is apt to distract rather than to instruct the learner; it is much better to be confined to a few authors than to wander at random over many.

A dwarf is small even if he stands on a mountain; a colossus keeps his height, even if he stands in a well.

The most miserable mortals are they that deliver themselves up to their palates, or to their lusts; the pleasure is short, and turns presently nauseous, and the end of it is either shame or repentance.

That which Fortune has not given, she cannot take away.

That loss is most discreditable which is caused by negligence.

As long as we are among humans, let us be humane.

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.