The hunger for applause is the source for all conscious literature and heroism

Praise is a more ingenious, concealed, and subtle kind of flattery, that satisfies both the giver and the receiver, though by verydifferent ways. The one accepts it as a reward due to his merit; the other gives it that he may be looked upon as a just and discerning person.

The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.

Perfect behavior is born of complete indifference.

Perfect Valor is to do, without a witness, all that we could do before the whole world.

None but great men are capable of having great flaws.

Kings do with men as with pieces of money; they give them what value they please, and we are obliged to receive them at their current and not at their real value.