When everyone covets something, they are easily annoyed by it.

Many have had their greatness made for them by their enemies.

A person of your century: Great persons are of their time. Not all were born into a period worthy of them, and many so born failed to benefit by it. Some merited a better century, for all that is good does not always triumph. Fashions have their periods and even the greatest virtues, their styles. But the philosopher, being ageless, has one advantage: Should this not prove the right century, many to follow will.

There must be something good in a thing that pleases so many; even if it cannot be explained, it is certainly enjoyed.

Folly consists not in committing Folly, but in being incapable of concealing it. All men make mistakes, but the wise conceal the blunders they have made, while fools make them public. Reputation depends more on what is hidden than on what is seen. If you can’t be good, be careful.

Truth is for the minority.

There are rules to luck, not everything is chance for the wise; luck can be helped by skill.