Never risk your reputation on a single shot, for if you miss the loss is irreparable.

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

Attain and maintain a reputation, for it is the usufruct of fame. A stiff climb, for it is the issue of excellence, as rare as mediocrity is common.

It is a novel kind of supremacy, the best that life can offer, to have as servants by skill those who by nature are our masters.

If you are wise, live as you can; if you cannot, live as you would.

Admiration is the basis of ignorance.

Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself.