Caution is the path to mediocrity. Gliding, passionless mediocrity is all that most people think they can achieve.

Good governance never depends upon laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who govern. The machinery of government is always subordinate to the will of those who administer that machinery. The most important element of government, therefore, is the method of choosing leaders.

When a wise man does not understand, he says: "I do not understand." The fool and the uncultured are ashamed of their ignorance. They remain silent when a question could bring them wisdom.

Every civilization depends upon the quality of the individuals it produces.

Give me a lamp so I can find the day.

If you think of yourselves as helpless and ineffectual, it is certain that you will create a despotic government to be your master. The wise despot, therefore, maintains among his subjects a popular sense that they are helpless and ineffectual.

If all those around you believe some particular thing, you will soon be tempted to share in that belief.