Harmony makes small things grow, lack of it makes great things decay

The fame that goes with wealth and beauty is fleeting and fragile; intellectual superiority is a possession glorious and eternal

As the blessings of health and fortune have a beginning, so they must also find an end. Everything rises but to fall, and increases but to decay

The golden age is before us, not behind us

It is the nature of ambition to make men liars and cheats, to hide the truth in their breasts, and show, like jugglers, another thing in their mouths, to cut all friendships and enmities to the measure of their own interest, and to make a good countenance without the help of good will.

Ambition breaks the ties of blood, and forgets the obligations of gratitude.

In my opinion, he only may be truly said to live and enjoy his being who is engaged in some laudable pursuit, and acquires a name by some illustrious action, or useful art