Sometimes it has been of great moment while the fight is going on, to disseminate words that pronounce the enemies' captain to be dead, or to have been conquered by another part of the army. Many times this has given victory to him who used it.

The distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom a specious one, I feel. There are only individual egos, crazy for love.

Men may second fortune, but they cannot thwart her.

Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.

Nothing feeds upon itself as liberality does.

There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.

Thus it happens in matters of state; for knowing afar off (which it is only given a prudent man to do) the evils that are brewing, they are easily cured. But when, for want of such knowledge, they are allowed to grow so that everyone can recognize them, there is no longer any remedy to be found.