The true motives of our actions, like the real pipes of an organ, are usually concealed; but the gilded and hollow pretext is pompously placed in the front for show.

It is good to act as if. It is even better to grow to the point where it is no longer an act.

Of present fame think little, and of future less; the praises that we receive after we are buried, like the flowers that are strewed over our grave, may be gratifying to the living, but they are nothing to the dead.

Avarice has ruined more souls than extravagance.

The mistakes of the fool are known to the world, but not to himself. The mistakes of the wise man are known to himself, but not to the world.

A youth without fire is followed by an old age without experience.

Perfection doesn't exist... only good attempts.