Fortune rules in all things, and advances and depresses things more out of her own will than right and justice.

Ambition drove many men to become false; to have one thought locked in the breast, another ready on the tongue.

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

A good man would prefer to be defeated than to defeat injustice by evil means.

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.

Fame is the shadow of passion standing in the light

Do as much as possible, and talk of yourself as little as possible