The hossanas of the multitude can never bring satisfaction to the discerning. Yet there exist those chamaleons of popularity who find their joy, not in the sweet breath of Apollo, but in the smell of the crowd. And not in mind: Do not be taken in by what are miracles to the populace, for the ignorant do not rise above marveling. Thus the stupidity of a crowd is lost in admiration, even as the brain of an individual uncovers the trick.

There is no wilderness like a life without friends; friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes; it is a unique remedy against adversity, and it soothes the soul.

The more merit, the less affection.

Knowledge without wisdom is double folly.

Put a grain of boldness into everything you do.

When you counsel someone, you should appear to be reminding him of something he had forgotten, not of the light he was unable to see.

Truth is for the minority.