Wisdom and courage make mutual contributions to greatness.

Knowledge without courage is sterile.

Nothing arouses ambition so much in the heart as the trumpet-clang of another's fame.

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

Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance.

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.

Do not commit yourself to anybody or anything, for that is to be a slave, a slave to every man Above all, keep yourself free of commitments and obligations - they are the device of another to get you into his power