Some would be sages if they did not believe they were so already..

Do not show your wounded finger for everything will knock up against it..

Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself..

Hope has a good memory, gratitude a bad one..

Know how to keep anticipation alive: always strive to feed it, by letting the much promise more, and the one achievement be the announcement only of ….

Do not commit yourself to anybody or anything, for that is to be a slave, a slave to every man Above all, keep yourself free of commitments and oblig….

Fools rush in through the door; for folly is always bold..

Attain and maintain a reputation, for it is the usufruct of fame. A stiff climb, for it is the issue of excellence, as rare as mediocrity is common..

Even monarchs have need of authors, and fear their pens more than ugly women the painter's pencil..

A prudent man will think more important what fate has conceded to him, than what it has denied..

Knowledge without courage is sterile..

Knowing how to keep a friend is more important than gaining a new one..

Success rarely brings satisfaction..

Nature often lets us down when we most need her; let us turn to art..

Peacemakers not only live, they rule life..

Put yourself on view. This brings your talents to light..

Aspire rather to be a hero than merely appear one..

Be known for pleasing others, especially if you govern them. Ruling other has one advantage: you can do more good than anyone else..

Not he that adorns but he that adores makes a divinity..

Do not make mistakes about character. Better be cheated in the price than in the quality of goods..

Surfeits of happiness are fatal..