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.

We do not like to praise, and seldom praise anyone without self-interest.

It is not enough to have great qualities; We should also have the management of them.

If we are incapable of finding peace in ourselves, it is pointless to search elsewhere.

There are fine things that are more brilliant when they are unfinished than when finished too much.

No matter how brilliant an action, it should not be considered great unless it was the result of a great motive.

Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.