I believe that we cannot live better than in seeking to become better, nor more agreeably than having a clear conscience.

How can you wonder your travels do you no good, when you carry yourself around with you?

The real artist, who knew what he was imitating, would be interested in realities and not in imitations; and would desire to leave as memorials of himself works many and fair; and, instead of being the author of encomiums, he would prefer to be the theme of them.

If you will be guided by me, you will make little account of Socrates, and much more of truth.

Lies are the greatest murder. They kill the Truth.

I soon realized that poets do not compose their poems with knowledge, but by some inborn talent and by inspiration, like seers and prophets who also say many fine things without any understanding of what they say.

The more I learn, the less I realize I know.