On the path of actions, great heart is the chief recommendation; on that works, a great head.

Everything that happens, happens of necessity.

A reproach can only hurt if it hits the mark. Whoever knows that he does not deserve a reproach can treat it with contempt.

Reasonable and vicious are quite consistent with each other, in fact, only through their union are great and far-reaching crimes possible

Friends and acquaintances are the surest passport to fortune.

Great minds are related to the brief span of time during which they live as great buildings are to a little square in which they stand: you cannot see them in all their magnitude because you are standing too close to them.

You are free to do what you want, but you are not free to want what you want.