Our virtues are dearer to us the more we have had to suffer for them. It is the same with our children. All profound affection admits a sacrifice.

Persons of rank do not talk about such trifles as the common people do; but the common people do not busy themselves about such frivolous things as do persons of rank.

You must rouse into people's consciousness their own prudence and strength, if you want to raise their character.

Sometimes a lengthened period of prosperity melts away in a moment; just as the heat of summer flies before a day of tempest.

Indolence is the sleep of the mind.

All men are born truthful and die liars.

To execute great things, one should live as though one would never die.