The duration of our passions is no more dependent on ourselves than the duration of our lives.

Fearlessness is a more than ordinary strength of mind, which raises the soul above the troubles, disorders, and emotions which theprospect of great dangers are used to produce. And by this inward strength it is that heroes preserve themselves in a calm and quiet state, and enjoy a presence of mind and the free use of their reason in the midst of those terrible accidents that amaze and confound other people.

Death, like the sun, cannot be looked at steadily.

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

Few people have the wisdom to prefer the criticism that would do them good, to the praise that deceives them.

Fortune turns all things to the advantage of those on whom she smiles.

The mind cannot long play the heart's role.