One hallmark of freedom is the sound of laughter.

Somepeople reach the top of the ladder only to find it is leaning against thewrong wall.

The exercise of power is determined by thousands ofinteractions between the world of the powerful and that of the powerless, allthe more so because these worlds are never divided by a sharp line: everyonehas a small part of himself in both.

Mostpeople I ask little from. I try to give them much, and expect nothing inreturn and I do very well in the bargain.

Power gravitates to the man who knows how.

Trust no one unless you have eaten much salt with him.

Even a fish wouldn't get into trouble if it kept its mouth shut.

Don'tbe afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against, not with, the wind.

Malice drinketh its own poison.

Therecan be no doubt that the average man blames much more than he praises. Hisinstinct is to blame. If he is satisfied he says nothing; if he is not, hemost illogically kicks up a row.

The poet gives us his essence, but prose takes the mould of the body and mind entire.

Allthings at first appear difficult.