Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.

You aspire to great things? Begin with little ones.

Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.

Happiness consists in the attainment of our desires, and in our having only right desires.

Christ is not valued at all, unless he is valued above all.

The world was made, not in time, but simultaneously with time. There was no time before the world.

Punishment is justice for the unjust.

We make a ladder for ourselves of our vices, if we trample those same vices underfoot.

Repentant tears wash out the stain of guilt.

The dove loves when it quarrels; the wolf hates when it flatters.