The most perfect political community must be amongst those who are in the middle rank, and those states are best instituted wherein these are a larger and more respectable part, if possible, than both the other; or, if that cannot be, at least than either of them separate.

Good laws, if they are not obeyed, do not constitute good government.

Adventure is worthwhile.

The greatest victory is over self.

All men seek one goal: success or happiness.

Men pay most attention to what is their own: they care less for what is common; or, at any rate, they care for it only to the extent to which each is individually concerned.

Consider pleasures as they depart, not as they come.