The sea, by its nature, would be calm and still if the winds did not stir it up and disturb it. In the same way, the people would be calm and docile if speakers and agitators did not stir them up and agitate them.
It is a strange purpose to pursue power and lose freedom.
Discretion is a virtue, without which the others cease to be so.
Self-respect is, after religion, the main restraint of vices.
The head of many tall people resembles houses; the highest floor is the worst furnished.
The selfish person would be capable of setting fire to the neighbor's house to fry an egg.
A man is willing to believe what he would like to be true.
The experience of centuries proves that luxury heralds the decline of empires.
The argument is like shooting a crossbow, it is equally effective when aimed at a giant as it is at a dwarf.
While we admire and exalt the faculties of human intelligence, we forget to seek its true collaborators.