You can cultivate taste, as you can the intellect. Full understanding whets the appetite and desire, and, later, sharpens the enjoyment of possession.

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

A wise prince must never take things easy in times of peace.

Honorable beginnings should serve to awaken curiosity, not to heighten people's expectations. We are much better off when reality surpasses our expectations, and something turns out better than we thought it would.

Know how to use evasion. That is how smart people get out of difficulties.

A gilded No is more satisfactory than a dry Yes.

Share weight and woe, for misfortune falls with double force on him that stands alone.