There is nothing so difficult or so dangerous as to undertake to change the order of things.

A sign of intelligence is an awareness of one's own ignorance.

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.

He who would foresee what is to happen should look to what has happened: for all that is has its counterpart in time past.

Men are able to assist fortune but not to thwart her. They can weave her designs, but they cannot destroy them.

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

He who is the cause of another's advancement is thereby the cause of his own ruin.