By numberless examples it will evidently appear that human affairs are as subject to change and fluctuation as the waters of the sea agitated by the winds.

Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.

Experience has always shown, and reason also, that affairs which depend on many seldom succeed.

It is a great matter to be in authority over others; for authority, if it be rightly used, will make you feared beyond your actual resources.

Even though many people prove to be ungrateful, do not let that stop you from benefiting others-for not only is beneficence in itself a noble and almost divine quality, it may also happen that while you practice it, you will encounter someone so grateful that he will make up for all the others' ingratitude.

We fight to great disadvantage when we fight with those who have nothing to lose.

...be more guided by hope than fear.