"We are Christians by the same title as we are natives of Perigord or Germany." — Michel de Montaigne

Wit is a dangerous weapon, even to the possessor, if he knows not how to use it discreetly.

The confidence in another man's virtue is no light evidence of a man's own, and God willingly favors such a confidence.

I set forth a humble and inglorious life; that does not matter. You can tie up all moral philosophy with a common and private life just as well as with a life of richer stuff. Each man bears the entire form of man's estate.

'Tis the sharpness of our mind that gives the edge to our pains and pleasures.