Little men with little minds and little imaginations go through life in little ruts, smugly resisting all changes which would jar their little worlds.

Great men, unknown to their generation, have their fame among the great who have preceded them, and all true worldly fame subsides from their high estimate beyond the stars.

Regarding life, the wisest men of all ages have judged alike: it is worthless.

Whoever has provoked men to rage against him has always gained a party in his favor, too.

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.