#13:2-3

[thgdbk]

Everyone loves himself, not for any reward which such love may bring, but because he is dear to himself independently of anything else. But unless this feeling is transferred to another, true friendship will never be understood; for a true friend is a kind of second self.

[thgdbk]

Nature does nothing in vain, and more is vain where less will serve. Nature is pleased with simplicity, and does not need the pomp of superfluous causes.