One can say this in general of men: they are ungrateful, disloyal, insincere and deceitful, timid of danger and avid of profit...Love is a bond of obligation that these miserable creatures break whenever it suits them to do so; but fear holds them fast by a dread of punishment that never passes.

Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are, and those few dare not oppose themselves to the opinion of the many, who have the majesty of the state to defend them.

Any harm you do to a man should be done in such a way that you need not fear his revenge.

Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.

...it behooves us to adapt oneself to the times if one wants to enjoy continued good fortune.

Wisdom consists in being able to distinguish among dangers and make a choice of the least harmful.

Results are often obtained by impetuosity and daring which could never have been obtained by ordinary methods.