On why I don't trust democracy without extremely powerful systems of accountability and recall What seems to be generosity is often only disguised ambition - which despises small interests to gain great ones.

Moderation in people who are contented comes from that calm that good fortune lends to their spirit.

The wind which snuffs the candle fans the fire.

Our temper sets a price upon every gift that we receive from fortune.

Treachery is more often the effect of weakness than of a formed design.

There is no praise we have not lavished upon prudence; and yet she cannot assure to us the most trifling event.

In the human heart one generation of passions follows another; from the ashes of one springs the spark of the next.