“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”

“Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.”

“Man's mettle is tested both in adversity and in success. Twice is this true of the soul of a nation.”

“If you want to make an ordinary man happy, or think that he is happy, give him money, power, flattery, gifts, honours. If you want to make a wise man happy - improve yourself!”

“Some men are much better and wiser than others, but experience seems to show that hardly any man is so much better than or wiser than others that he can permanently stand the test of irresponsible power over them.”

“If you want to keep a friend, never test him.”

“If you don't want a man unhappy politically, don't give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none.”

“You can tell the character of every man when you see how he gives and receives praise.”
qualis quisque sit scies, si quemadmodum laudet, quemadmodum laudetur aspexeris.

“The most exquisite paradox… as soon as you give it all up, you can have it all. As long as you want power, you can't have it. The minute you don't want power, you'll have more than you ever dreamed possible.”

“True character stands the test of emergencies. Do not be mistaken, it is weakness from which the awakening is rude.”