If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favourable.

All art is but imitation of nature.

To rule yourself is the ultimate power

No man is nobler born than another, unless he is born with better abilities and a more amiable disposition. They who make such a parade with their family pictures and pedigrees, are, properly speaking, rather to be called noted or notorious than noble persons. I thought it right to say this much, in order to repel the insolence of men who depend entirely upon chance and accidental circumstances for distinction, and not at all on public services and personal merit.

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.

If you don't know, ask. You will be a fool for the moment, but a wise man for the rest of your life.

He who blushes at riding in a rattletrap, will boast when he rides in style.