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.

The modest man has everything to gain, and the arrogant man everything to lose; for modesty has always to deal with generosity, and arrogance with envy.

History is only time furnished with dates and rich with events.

Poverty treads close upon the heels of great and unexpected wealth.

The only thing wealth does for some people is to make them worry about losing it.

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.

There is even the dignity of vice.