Human nature is the one constant through human history. It is always there.

Men's indignation, it seems, is more exited by legal wrong than by violent wrong; the first looks like being cheated by an equal, the second like being compelled by a superior.

When tremendous dangers are involved, no one can be blamed for looking to his own interest.

In generosity we are equally singular, acquiring our friends by conferring, not by receiving, favours.

Amassing of wealth is an opportunity for good deeds, not hubris

For so remarkably perverse is the nature of man that he despises whoever courts him, and admires whoever will not bend before him.

Knowledge without understanding is useless.