Experience does not err; only your judgments err by expecting from her what is not in her power.

Just as courage imperils life, fear protects it.

When Fortune comes, seize her in front with a sure hand, because behind she is bald.

Small rooms or dwellings discipline the mind, large ones weaken it.

Learning acquired in youth arrests the evil of old age; and if you understand that old age has wisdom for its food, you will so conduct yourself in youth that your old age will not lack for nourishment.

Just as eating against one's will is injurious to health, so study without a liking for it spoils the memory, and it retains nothing it takes in.

Our life is made by the death of others.

Necessity is the theme and the inventress, the eternal curb and law of nature.

The painter who draws by practise and judgment of the eye without the use of reason is like the mirror which reproduces within itself all the objects which are set opposite to it without knowledge of the same.

Oh! speculators on things, boast not of knowing the things that nature ordinarily brings about; but rejoice if you know the end of those things which you yourself devise.