Virtue is presupposed in friendship.

Democracy is always the work of kings. Ashes, which in themselves are sterile, fertilize the land they are cast upon.

Fame, they tell you, is air; but without air there is no life for any; without fame there is none for the best.

Everything that looks to the future elevates human nature; for never is life so low or so little as when occupied with the present.

Wherever there is excessive wealth, there is also in the train of it excessive poverty.

There are proud men of so much delicacy that it almost conceals their pride, and perfectly excuses it.

Do not expect to be acknowledged for what you are, much less for what you would be; since no one can well measure a great man but upon the bier.