You should aim to be independent of any one vote, of any one fashion, of any one century.

It is good to vary in order that you may frustrate the curious, especially those who envy you.

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

A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds a No, sweetens a truth, and adds a touch of beauty to old age itself.

A gilded No is more satisfactory than a dry Yes.

Rate the intensive above the extensive. The perfect does not lie in quantity, but in quality.

Know the great men of your age.