The nearer we approach great men, the clearer we see that they are men.

We should keep silent about those in power; to speak well of them almost implies flattery; to speak ill of them while they are alive is dangerous, and when they are dead is cowardly.

It is motive alone that gives real value to the actions of men, and disinterestedness puts the cap to it.

The nearer we approach great men, the clearer we see that they are men.

A well-born man is fortunate, but so is the man about whom people no longer ask, 'is he well-born?'

Life is a kind of sleep: old men sleep longest, nor begin to wake but when they are to die.

Logic is the art of convincing us some truth.