Genius and great abilities are often wanting; sometimes, only opportunities. Some deserve praise for what they have done; others for what they would have done.
Jean de la BruyereEven the best intentioned of great men need a few scoundrels around them; there are some things you cannot ask an honest ma to do.
Jean de la BruyereThere are but three events which concern man: birth, life and death. They are unconscious of their birth, they suffer when they die, and they neglect to live.
Jean de la Bruyere