I have withdrawn not only from men, but from affairs, especially my own affairs; I am working for later generations, writing down some ideas that may be of assistance to them.

As was his language so was his life.

A coward calls himself cautious, a miser thrifty.

It is the mind that makes us rich and happy, in what condition soever we are, and money signifies no more to it than it does to the gods.

It is another's fault if he be ungrateful, but it is mine if I do not give. To find one thankful man, I will oblige a great many that are not so.

Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.

It is dishonorable to say one thing and think another; how much more dishonorable to write one thing and think another.