"A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials." — Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Brave men rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph in war.

It is another's fault if he be ungrateful, but it is mine if I do not give. To find one thankful man, I will oblige a great many that are not so.

Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.

Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.