Sameness is the mother of disgust, variety the cure. - Petrarch

Among the many subjects which interested me, I dwelt especially upon antiquity, for our own age has always repelled me, so that, had it not been for the love of those dear to me, I should have preferred to place myself in spirit in other ages, and consequently I delighted in history.

Learning is my sole delight.

Shame is the fruit of my vanities, and remorse, and the clearest knowledge of how the world's delight is a brief dream.