“This above all makes history useful and desirable; it unfolds before our eyes a glorious record of exemplary actions.”

An honor prudently declined often returns with increased luster.

The old Romans all wished to have a king over them because they had not yet tasted the sweetness of freedom.

Shared danger is the strongest of bonds; it will keep men united in spite of mutual dislike and suspicion.

Truth is often eclipsed but never extinguished.

The result showed that fortune helps the brave.

Such is the nature of crowds: either they are humble and servile or arrogant and dominating. They are incapable of making moderate use of freedom, which is the middle course, or of keeping it.

Men’s minds are too ready to excuse guilt in themselves.

Events of great consequence often spring from trifling circumstances.

War is just to those to whom war is necessary.

War is just to those for whom it is necessary, and arms are clear of impiety for those who have no hope left but in arms.

He will have true glory who despises it.

All things will be clear and distinct to the man who does not hurry; haste is blind and improvident.

There is nothing worse than being ashamed of parsimony or poverty.

Wit is the flower of the imagination.

Those ills are easiest to bear with which we are most familiar.

Friendships ought to be immortal, hostilities mortal.