Human beings remain constant in their methods of conduct.

The reformer has enemies in all who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order.

It has always been the opinion and judgment of wise men that nothing can be so uncertain as fame or power not founded on its own strength.

For one change always leaves a dovetail into which another will fit.

Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good.

You do not know the unfathomable cowardice of humanity...servile in the face of force, pitiless in the face of weakness, implacable before blunders, indulgent before crimes...and patient to the point of martyrdom before all the violences of bold despotism.

Men are so simple and yield so readily to the desires of the moment that he who will trick will always find another who will suffer to be tricked.