It is better to have too much courtesy than too little, provided you are not equally courteous to all, for that would be injustice.

The sage has one advantage: he is immortal. If this is not his century, many others will be.

Excellence resides in quality, not in quantity. The best is always few and rare; much lowers value.

Aspire rather to be a hero than merely appear one.

Even monarchs have need of authors, and fear their pens more than ugly women the painter's pencil.

One must pass through the circumference of time before arriving at the center of opportunity.

All men are idolators, some of fame, others of self-interest, most of pleasure.