They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts.

In silence man can most readily preserve his integrity.

Sow good services; sweet remembrances will grow them.

A thing is not proved just because no one has ever questioned it. What has never been gone into impartially has never been properly gone into. Hence scepticism is the first step toward truth. It must be applied generally, because it is the touchstone.

The worst derangement of the spirit is to believe things because we want them to be so, not because we have seen them for what they are.

The same refinement which brings us new pleasures, exposes us to new pains.

Clarity of mind means clarity of passion, too; this is why a great and clear mind loves ardently and sees distinctly what it loves.

A cheerful mind is a vigorous mind.

When you are obliged to make a statement that you know will cause displeasure, you must say it with every appearance of sincerity; this is the only way to make it palatable.

Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice, without constraint.