Does it not, in a general way, require great study and intense application for a poor man to become rich and powerful, if he would do it without the forfeiture of his honesty?
Does it not require as much pains, study and application, to become truly wise and strictly good and virtuous, as to become rich?
Can a man of common capacity pursue both views with success at the same time?
If not, which of the two is it best for him to make his whole application to?
The great secret of succeeding in conversation, is to admire little, to hear much, always to distrust our own reason, and sometimes that of our friends; never to pretend to wit, but to make that of others appear as much as possibly we can; to hearken to what is said and to answer to the purpose.
Ut jam nunc dicat jam nunc debentia dici.