Possession hinders enjoyment. It merely gives you the right to keep things for or from others, and thus you gain more enemies than friends.

Always act as if you were seen.

The truth is generally seen, rarely heard.

Wise men appreciate all men, for they see the good in each and know how hard it is to make anything good.

You have to appear wiser and more prudent than is required by the people you are dealing with if you want to give a high opinion of yourself.

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.

Those who insist on the dignity of their office show they have not deserved it.