The slave has but one master, the ambitious man has as many as there are persons whose aid may contribute to the advancement of his fortunes.

It is through madness that we hate an enemy, and think of revenging ourselves; and it is through indolence that we are appeased, and do not revenge ourselves.

It is virtue which should determine us in the choice of our friends, without inquiring into their good or evil fortune.

Discretion is the perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life; cunning is a kind of instinct, that only looks out after our immediate interests and welfare. Discretion is only found in men of strong sense and good understanding; cunning is often to be met with in brutes themselves, and in persons who are but the fewest removes from them.

When a work lifts your spirits and inspires bold and noble thoughts in you, do not look for any other standard to judge by: the work is good, the product of a master craftsman.

We seldom repent talking little, but very often talking too much.

Don't wait to be happy to laugh... You may die and never have laughed.