A modest man never talks of himself.

Let us not envy some men their accumulated riches; their burden would be too heavy for us; we could not sacrifice, as they do, health, quiet, honor and conscience, to obtain them: It is to pay so dear from them that the bargain is a loss.

When we have run through all forms of government, without partiality to that we were born under, we are at a loss with which to side; they are all a compound of good and evil. It is therefore most reasonable and safe to value that of our own country above all others, and to submit to it.

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.

Everything has been said, and we have come too late, now that men have been living and thinking for seven thousand years and more.

The shortest and best way to make your fortune is to let people see clearly that it is in their interest to promote yours.

Friendship * * * is a long time in forming, it is of slow growth, through many trials and months of familiarity.