"Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions."

"Men are generally so simple and so ready to obey present necessities, that one who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived."

"The innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new."

"A prudent man should always follow in the path of great men and imitate those who have been most excellent, so that if his ability does not equal theirs, at least it will savour of it."

"There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you."