The family is one of nature's masterpieces.

Friendship was given by nature to be an assistant to virtue, not a companion in vice.

A friend is one who has the same enemies as you have.

Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.

One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession.

The trouble is that people seem to expect happiness in life. I can't imagine why; but they do. They are unhappy before they marry, and they imagine to themselves that the reason of their unhappiness will be removed when they are married. When it isn't they blame the other person, which is clearly absurd. I believe that is what generally starts the trouble.

Books like friends, should be few and well-chosen.

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.

Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.

Friends are nothing but a known enemy

Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit.

There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.

If you have a candle, the light won't glow any dimmer if I light yours off of mine.

Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil.

No one who can read, ever looks at a book, even unopened on a shelf, like one who cannot.

People won't have time for you if you are always angry or complaining.

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.

I am a raging alcoholic and a raging addict and I didn't want to see my kids do the same thing.

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

As in the case of wines that improve with age, the oldest friendships ought to be the most delightful.