All men seek esteem; the best by lifting themselves, which is hard to do, the rest by shoving others down, which is much easier.

A man is at his youngest when he thinks he is a man, not yet realizing that his actions must show it.

Never destroy without thought your enemy's pretences; they are usually your best weapon against him.

We Persians have a saying that one should deliberate serious matters first drunk, then sober.

One must live as if it would be forever, and as if one might die each moment. Always both at once.

It is something, I thought, when a king can put a courtesan to the blush.

Money buys many things... The best of which is freedom.