No mortal man has ever served at the same time his passions and his best interests.

All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger or pity.

Distinguished ancestors shed a powerful light on their descendants, and forbid the concealment either of their merits or of their demerits.

But at power or wealth, for the sake of which wars, and all kinds of strife, arise among mankind, we do not aim; we desire only our liberty, which no honorable man relinquishes but with his life.

We employ the mind to rule, the body to serve.

To someone seeking power, the poorest man is the most useful.

To like and dislike the same things that is indeed true friendship.