Certain books seem to be written, not that we might learn from them, but in order that we might see how much the author knows.

A man is not little when he finds it difficult to cope with circumstances, but when circumstances overmaster him.

Self-love exaggerates our faults as well as our virtues.

Difficulties increase the nearer we get to the goal.

Oblivion is full of people who allow the opinions of others to overrule their belief in themselves.

Mastery passes often for egotism.

I will say with Lorenzo de Medici that those who do not hope for another life are always dead to this one.