It is dangerous for mortal beauty, or terrestrial virtue, to be examined by too strong a light. The torch of Truth shows much that we cannot, and all that we would not, see.
Always set high value on spontaneous kindness. He whose inclination prompts him to cultivate your friendship of his own accord will love you more than one whom you have been at pains to attach to you.
As gold which he cannot spend will make no man rich so knowledge which he cannot apply will make no man wise.
A wise man is cured of ambition by ambition itself; his aim is so exalted that riches, office, fortune and favour cannot satisfy him.
Subordination tends greatly to human happiness. Were we all upon an equality, we should have no other enjoyment than mere animal pleasure.
A man ought to read just as inclination leads him, for what he reads as a task will do him little good.
He that undervalues himself will undervalue others, and he that undervalues others will oppress them.
