It seems to never occur to fools that merit and good fortune are closely united.

In art the best is good enough.

To rule is easy, to govern difficult.

The best government is that which teaches us to govern ourselves.

Which government is the best? The one that teaches us to govern ourselves.

Being brilliant is no great feat if you respect nothing.

Love and desire are the spirit's wings to great deeds.

A really great talent finds its happiness in execution.

Great thoughts and a pure heart, that is what we should ask from God.

Character, in great and little things, means carrying through what you feel able to do.