Fortunate people often have very favorable beginnings and very tragic endings. What matters isn't being applauded when you arrive - for that is common - but being missed when you leave.

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

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

It is a great misfortune to be of use to nobody; scarcely less to be of use to everybody.

It is more offensive to outshine in dignity than in personal attractions.

There are friendships merely for pleasure, some for the exchange of ideas. Rarest are those friends of one's inmost self.

An ounce of prudence is worth a pound of cleverness.