A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair.

Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.

To keep your actions and your plans secret always has been a very good thing . .. Marcus Crassus said to one who asked him when he was going to move the army: 'Do you believe that you will be the only one not to hear the trumpet?

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.

Make no small plans for they have no power to stir the soul.

It is much better to tempt fortune where it can favor you than to see your certain ruin by not tempting it.

I believe that it is possible for one to praise, without concern, any man after he is dead since every reason and supervision for adulation is lacking.