A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true.

As a vessel is known by the sound, whether it be cracked or not; so men are proved, by their speeches, whether they be wise or foolish.

All speech is vain and empty unless it be accompanied by action.

There is a great deal of wishful thinking in such cases it is the easiest thing of all to deceive ones self.

Small opportunities often presage great enterprises.

Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master

Success has a great tendency to conceal and throw a veil over the evil deeds of men.