The most divine light only shineth on those minds which are purged from all worldly dross and human uncleanliness.

Whoso taketh in hand to govern a multitude, either by way of liberty or principality, and cannot assure himself of those persons that are enemies to that enterprise, doth frame a state of short perseverance.

The best time for marriage will be towards thirty, for as the younger times are unfit, either to choose or to govern a wife and family, so, if thou stay long, thou shalt hardly see the education of thy children, who, being left to strangers, are in effect lost; and better were it to be unborn than ill-bred; for thereby thy posterity shall either perish, or remain a shame to thy name.

[It is a basic principle of a tyrant] to unarm his people of weapons, money and all means whereby they resist his power.

Our bodies are but the anvils of pain and disease and our minds the hives of unnumbered cares.

There is nothing more becoming any wise man, than to make choice of friends, for by them thou shalt be judged what thou art: let them therefore be wise and virtuous, and none of those that follow thee for gain; but make election rather of thy betters, than thy inferiors.

So the heart be right, it is no matter which way the head lieth.