There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots - suspicion.

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

Nothing is so easy as to deceive one's self; for what we wish, that we readily believe; but such expectations are often inconsistent with the real state of things.

No man who is not willing to help himself has any right to apply to his friends, or to the gods.

What we wish, that we readily believe.

It is impossible for men engaged in low and groveling pursuits to have noble and generous sentiments. A man's thought must always follow his employment.

Every advantage in the past is judged in the light of the final issue.