He that by harshness of nature rules his family with an iron hand is as truly a tyrant as he who misgoverns a nation.

A man's ability cannot possibly be of one sort and his soul of another. If his soul be well-ordered, serious and restrained, his ability also is sound and sober. Conversely, when the one degenerates, the other is contaminated.

Learn how to feel joy.

Who can hope for nothing, should despair for nothing.

We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.

It is safer to offend certain men than it is to oblige them; for as proof that they owe nothing they seek recourse in hatred.

It is easier to exclude harmful passions than to rule them, and to deny them admittance than to control them after they have been admitted.