The quote database

In the face of a true friend a man sees as it were a second self.

Now friendship may be thus defined: a complete accord on all subjects human and divine, joined with mutual goodwill and affection.

a man who is always living in the midst of these studies and labours does not perceive when old age creeps upon him

if it has in store any of what I may call the food of study and philosophy, nothing can be pleasanter than an old age of leisure

An actor, in order to earn approval, is not bound to perform the play from beginning to end; let him only satisfy the audience in whatever act he appears.

This ripeness is so delightful to me, that, as I approach nearer to death, I seem as it were to be sighting land, and to be coming to port at last after a long voyage.

Now, old age is as it were the playing out of the drama, the full fatigue of which we should shun, especially when we also feel that we have had more than enough of it.

In such cases friendships should be allowed to die out gradually by an intermission of intercourse.

it is in regard to friendship, as in so many other things, so supple and sensitive that it expands, so to speak, at a friend's good fortune, contracts at his misfortunes