Even the best intentioned of great men need a few scoundrels around them; there are some things you cannot ask an honest ma to do.

To be among people one loves, that's sufficient; to dream, to speak to them, to be silent among them, to think of indifferent things; but among them, everything is equal.

We all covet wealth, but not its perils.

We are more sociable, and get on better with people by the heart than the intellect.

Amongst such as out of cunning hear all and talk little, be sure to talk less; or if you must talk, say little.

There is as much trickery required to grow rich by a stupid book as there is folly in buying it.

There is a false modesty, which is vanity; a false glory, which is levity; a false grandeur, which is meanness; a false virtue, which is hypocrisy, and a false wisdom, which is prudery.