Gold is worshipped in all climates, without a single temple, and by all classes, without a single hypocrite.

Success seems to be that which forms the distinction between confidence and conceit.

Time ... advances like the slowest tide, but retreats like the swiftest torrent.

Immitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Precisely in proportion to our own intellectual weakness will be our credulity as to those mysterious powers assumed by others.

Taking things not as they ought to be, but as they are, I fear it must be allowed that Macchiavelli will always have more disciples than Jesus.

Silence is less injurious than a weak reply.