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.

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

There is no revenge like oblivion, for it is the entombment of the unworthy in the dust of their own nothingness.

Never participate in the secrets of those above you; you think you share the fruit, and you share the stones - the confidence of a prince is not a grant, but a tax

The sole advantage of power is that you can do more good.

Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose.

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