Nothing is so easy as to deceive oneself; for what we wish, we readily believe.
We believe whatever we want to believe.
Close alliances with despots are never safe for free states.
All speech is vain and empty unless it be accompanied by action.
It is not possible to found a lasting power upon injustice, perjury, and treachery.
The man who is in the highest state of prosperity, and who thinks his fortune is most secure, knows not if it will remain unchanged till the evening.