That moderation which nature prescribes, which limits our desires by resources restricted to our needs, has abandoned the field; it has now come to this -- that to want only what is enough is a sign both of boorishness and of utter destitution.

I shall never be ashamed to quote a bad author if what he says is good.

Lack of desire is the greatest riches.

Whatever we give to the wretched, we lend to fortune.

To preserve the life of citizens, is the greatest virtue in the father of his country.

Nothing is as certain as that the vices of leisure are gotten rid of by being busy.

We have not to talk, but to steer the vessel.