We live by information, not by sight.

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

An ounce of prudence is worth a pound of cleverness.

The more merit, the less affection.

Even monarchs have need of authors, and fear their pens more than ugly women the painter's pencil.

Honorable beginnings should serve to awaken curiosity, not to heighten people's expectations. We are much better off when reality surpasses our expectations, and something turns out better than we thought it would.

To be at ease is better than to be at business. Nothing really belongs to us but time, which you have even if you have nothing else.