I have lived eighty years of life and know nothing for it, but to be resigned and tell myself that flies are born to be eaten by spiders and man to be devoured by sorrow.

Men must have somewhat altered the course of nature; for they were not born wolves, yet they have become wolves. God did not give them twenty-four-pounders or bayonets, yet they have made themselves bayonets and guns to destroy each other. In the same category I place not only bankruptcies, but the law which carries off the bankrupts’ effects, so as to defraud their creditors.

The most important decision you make is to be in a good mood.

All the ancient histories, as one of our wits say, are just fables that have been agreed upon

Slavery is also as ancient as war, and war as human nature.

It is clear that the individual who persecutes a man, his brother, because he is not of the same opinion, is a monster.

Truth is a fruit which should not be plucked until it is ripe.