So obscure are the greatest events, as some take for granted any hearsay, whatever its source, others turn truth into falsehood, and both errors find encouragement with posterity.

A bad peace is worse than war.

Crime, once exposed, has no refuge but in audacity.

They have plundered the world, stripping naked the land in their hunger… they are driven by greed, if their enemy be rich; by ambition, if poor… They ravage, they slaughter, they seize by false pretenses, and all of this they hail as the construction of empire. And when in their wake nothing remains but a desert, they call that peace.

Great empires are not maintained by timidity.

Viewed from a distance, everything is beautiful.

The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.

To show resentment at a reproach is to acknowledge that one may have deserved it.

The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.

If you would know who controls you see who you may not criticise.

Greater things are believed of those who are absent.

Style like the human body is specially beautiful when the veins are not prominent and the bones cannot be counted.

The more corrupt the state the more laws.

Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.

Where they make a desert they call it peace.

Lust of power is the most flagrant of all the passions.

The worst hatred is that of relatives.

Candour and generosity unless tempered by due moderation lead to ruin.

Things forbidden have a secret charm.

A bad peace is even worse than war.