That which is given with pride and ostentation is rather an ambition than a bounty.

The profit on a good action is to have done it.

In the meantime, cling tooth and nail to the following rule: not to give in to adversity, not to trust prosperity, and always take full note of fortune's habit of behaving just as she pleases.

It is a world of mischief that may be done by a single example of avarice or luxury. One voluptuous palate makes many more.

Many men provoke others to overreach them by excessive suspicion; their extraordinary distrust in some sort justifies the deceit.

There exists no more difficult art than living.

Our posterity will wonder about our ignorance of things so plain.