Far better to think historically, to remember the lessonsof the past. Thus, far better to conceive of power as consisting in part ofthe knowledge of when not to use all the power you have. Far better to be onewho knows that if you reserve the power not to

To ask advice is in nine cases out of ten tout for flattery.

Makesure you leave some fat for the other side.

Agrievance is most poignant when almost redressed.

Pleasant words are the food of love.

Power takes as ingratitude the writhing of its victims.

Learning must be had, but in the second place, as subsequent only to greater qualities.

Concentration of wealth will never be a problem as long as we have those three great institutions for redistributing it: Taxes, wives, offspring.

The bird a nest, the spider a web, man friendship.

Melancholy is the joy of being said.

Patience is the art of hoping.

Astupid act entails doing the work twice over.