The least strained and most natural ways of the soul are the most beautiful; the best occupations are the least forced.

Vice leaves, like an ulcer in the flesh, a repentance in the soul which is always scratching itself until it bleeds

Stupidity and wisdom meet in the same centre of sentiment and resolution, in the suffering of human accidents.

It is a disaster that wisdom forbids you to be satisfied with yourself and always sends you away dissatisfied and fearful, whereas stubbornness and foolhardiness fill their hosts with joy and assurance.

We can be knowledgable with other men's knowledge but we cannot be wise with other men's wisdom.

The plainest sign of wisdom is a continual cheerfulness: her state is like that of things in the regions above the moon, always clear and serene