I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven. In the former I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings and princes, while in the latter are only beggars, monks and apostles

the wise man should always follow the roads that have been trodden by the great, and imitate those who have most excelled, so that if he cannot reach their perfection, he may at least acquire something of its savour.

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.

The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar.

Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle, hypocritical, and greedy of gain.

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.

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