Love of the republic in a democracy, is a love of the democracy; love of the democracy is that of equality. Love of the democracy is likewise that of frugality.

I never listen to calumnies, because if they are untrue I run the risk of being deceived, and if they be true, of hating persons not worth thinking about.

Friendship is a contract in which we render small services in expectation of big ones.

A really intelligent man feels what other men only know.

It is always the adventurers who do great things, not the sovereigns of great empires.

There is still another inconvenieney in conquests made by democracies; their government is ever odious to the conquered states. It is apparently monarchical, but in reality it is more oppressive than monarchy, as the experience of all ages and countries evinces.

I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should seem a fool, but be wise.