The woman who too easily and ardently yielded her devotion will find that its vitality, like a bright fire, soon consumes itself.

The absolute ruler may be a Nero, but he is sometimes a Titus or Marc Aurelius; the people is often Nero, but never Marc Aurelius.

Rumor, once started, rushes on like a river, until it mingles with, and is lost in the sea.

The most civilized people are as near to barbarism as the most polished steel is to rust. Nations, like metals, have only a superficial brilliancy.

The personal pronoun "I" should be the coat of arms of some individuals.

There are men who gain from their wealth only the fear of losing it.

The despotism of will in ideas is styled plan, project, character, obstinacy; its despotism in desires is called passion.