A Man Is His Own Easiest Dupe,

Great And Unexpected Successes Are Often The Cause Of Foolish Rushing Into Acts Of Extravagance.

There Are All Kinds Of Devices Invented For The Protection And Preservation Of Countries: Defensive Barriers, Forts, Trenches, And The Like... But Prudent Minds Have As A Natural Gift One Safeguard Which Is The Common Possession Of All, And This Applies Especially To The Dealings Of Democracies. What Is This Safeguard? Skepticism. This You Must Preserve. This You Must Retain. If You Can Keep This, You Need Fear No Harm.

Small Opportunities Are Often The Beginning Of Great Enterprises.

Close Alliances With Despots Are Never Safe For Free States.

The Man Who Is In The Highest State Of Prosperity, And Who Thinks His Fortune Is Most Secure, Knows Not If It Will Remain Unchanged Till The Evening.