Never open the door to a lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it.

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

Many get the repute of being witty, but thereby lose the credit of being sensible. Jest has its little hour, seriousness should have all the rest.

The sage has one advantage: he is immortal. If this is not his century, many others will be.

The wise are always impatient, for he that increases knowledge increases impatience of folly.

You may be obliged to wage war, but not to use poisoned arrows.

It is a great misfortune to be of use to nobody; scarcely less to be of use to everybody.

It is profound philosophy to sound the depths of feeling and distinguish traits of character. Men must be studied as deeply as books.

Truth always lags last, limping along on the arm of Time.

God Himself chasteneth not with a rod but with time.