A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds a No, sweetens a truth, and adds a touch of beauty to old age itself.

One deceit needs many others, and so the whole house is built in the air and must soon come to the ground

Nature often lets us down when we most need her; let us turn to art.

Take care to make things turn out well. Some people scruple more over pointing things in the right direction than over successfully reaching their goals. The disgrace of failure outweighs the diligence they showed. A winner is never asked for explanations.

Keep to yourself the final touches of your art.

The wise are always impatient, for he that increases knowledge increases impatience of folly.

Nature scarcely ever gives us the very best; for that we must have recourse to art.