Those who visit foreign nations, but who associate only with their own countrymen, change their climate, but not their customs 'caelum non animum mutant': they see new meridians, but the same men, and with heads as empty as their pockets.

Power, like the diamond, dazzles the beholder, and also the wearer; it dignifies meanness; it magnifies littleness; to what is contemptible, it gives authority; to what is low, exaltation.

Flattery is often a traffic of mutual meanness, where although both parties intend deception, neither are deceived.

Of all the marvelous works of God, perhaps the one angels view with the most supreme astonishment, is a proud man.

Many speak the truth when they say that they despise riches, but they mean the riches possessed by others.

It is adverse to talent to be consorted and trained up with inferior minds and inferior companions, however high they may rank. The foal of the racer neither finds out his speed nor calls out his powers if pastured out with the common herd, that are destined for the collar and the yoke.

If you cannot inspire a woman with love of you, fill her above the brim with love of herself; all that runs over will be yours.