For if many ill-conceived plans have succeeded through the still greater lack of judgment of an opponent, many more, apparently well laid, have on the contrary ended in disgrace. The confidence with which we form our schemes is never completely justified in their execution; speculation is carried on in safety, but, when it comes to action, fear causes failure.

The sufferings that fate inflicts on us should be borne with patience, what enemies inflict with manly courage.

Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and respect of self, in turn, is the chief element in courage.

Abstinence from all injustice to other first-rate powers is a greater tower of strength than anything that can be gained by the sacrifice of permanent tranquillity for an apparent temporary advantage.

The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept.

Indeed it is generally the case that men are readier to call rogues clever than simpletons honest, and are ashamed of being the second as they are proud of being the first.

An avowal of poverty is no disgrace to any man; to make no effort to escape it is indeed disgraceful.