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.

Everything foreign is respected, partly because it comes from afar, partly because it is ready made and perfect.

Exaggeration is a branch of lying.

The great art of giving consists in this the gift should cost very little and yet be greatly coveted, so that it may be the more highly appreciated.

There is no wilderness like a life without friends.

Be known for pleasing others, especially if you govern them. Ruling other has one advantage: you can do more good than anyone else.

The true way is the middle one, halfway between deserving a place and pushing oneself into it.