Luxury and excessive refinement are sure forerunners of the decadence of states, because when all individuals seek their own interests they neglect the public weal.

How can we expect another to keep our secret if we have been unable to keep it ourselves?

The height of cleverness is to be able to conceal it.

A man of understanding finds less difficulty in submitting to a wrong-headed fellow, than in attempting to set him right.

We have not enough strength to follow all our reason.

A true friend is the most precious of all possessions and the one we take the least thought about acquiring.

A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.