No wonder we are all more or less pleased with mediocrity, since it leaves us at rest, and gives the same comfortable feeling as when one associates with his equals.

Few are open to conviction, but the majority of men are open to persuasion

We talk too much. We should talk less and draw more.

It is in vain that a man of sound mind and cool temper understands the condition of such a wretched being... He can no more communicate his own wisdom to him than a healthy man can instil his strength into the invalid by whose bedside he is seated.

Three things are to be looked to in a building: that it stand on the right spot; that it is securely founded; that it be successfully executed.

The follies of the wise man are known to himself, but hidden from the world.

The best slave is the one who thinks he is free.