Never open the door to a lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it.

Politeness is the chief sign of culture.

Don't express your ideas too clearly. Most people think little of what they understand, and venerate what they do not.

The greatest service you can render someone else is helping him help himself.

It requires as much to tell the truth as to conceal it.

Watchfulness is the only guard against cunning. Be intent on his intentions. Many succeed in making others do their own affairs, and unless you possess the key to their motives you may at any moment be forced to take their chestnuts out of the fire to the damage of your own fingers.

Many have had their greatness made for them by their enemies.