There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots - suspicion.
To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach.
You cannot have a proud and chivalrous spirit if your conduct is mean and paltry; for whatever a man's actions are, such must be his spirit.
Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.
A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true.
Close alliances with despots are never safe for free states.
