The generality of men have, like plants, latent properties, which chance brings to light.

In great affairs we ought to apply ourselves less to creating chances than to profiting from those that offer.

Silence is the best tactic for he who distrusts himself.

The surest proof of being endowed with noble qualities is to be free from envy.

Decency is the least of all laws, but yet it is the law which is most strictly observed.

Vices are ingredients of virtues just as poisons are ingredients of remedies. Prudence mixes and tempers them and uses them effectively against life's ills.

The sure way to be cheated is to think one's self more cunning than others.