Keep the extent of your abilities unknown.The wise man does not allow his knowledge and abilities to be sounded to the bottom, if he desires to be honored at all. He allows you to know them but not to comprehend them. No one must know the extent of his abilities, lest he be disappointed. No one ever has an opportunity of fathoming him entirely. For guesses and doubts about the extent of his talents arouse more veneration than accurate knowledge of them, be they ever so great.

Be known for pleasing others, especially if you govern them. Ruling other has one advantage: you can do more good than anyone else.

Little said is soon amended. There is always time to add a word, never to withdraw one.

I strive to be brief, and I become obscure.

The wise does at once what the fool does at last.

Censure is like the lightning which strikes the highest mountains.

Silence is the sanctuary of prudence.