Is anyone simply by birth to be applauded or punished?

One should not lift the rod against our enemies upon the private information of another.

What ever is the natural propensity of a person is hard to overcome. If a dog were made a king, he would still gnaw at his shoes laces.

Idleness, women, disorder, a foolish partiality for one's own native place, discontent and timidity are six obstructions to greatness.

When a husband is embraced without affection, there must be some reason for it.

Amongst all things, knowledge is truly the best thing: from its not being liable ever to be stolen, from it not being purchasable, and from its being imperishable.

The people of the world having once been deceived, suspect deceit in truth itself.

No one should form an acquaintance with one who has an evil character. A piece of coal, if it is hot burns, and if it's cold, blackens the hands.

The mind is lowered through association with inferiors. With equals it attains equality; and with superiors, superiority.