The simple fact that something has not been done, is no proof that it cannot be.

He who profits by villainy, has perpetrated it.

The point of civilization is to be civilized the purpose of action is to perpetuate society, for only in society can philosophy truly take place.

She was looking for something I could never give her. Again his dark eyes bored into Julia's mind. You have something of the same about you, young woman. Take my advice: Don't think you will find it in another person. You won't. It's not there. You must find it in yourself.

The devil himself can become beauty, so we are told, to corrupt mankind. (Marco)

The evil done by men of goodwill is the worst of all ... We have done terrible things, for the best of reasons, and that makes it worse.

Diplomacy and virtue do not make easy companions.

Shame, I do believe, is the most powerful emotion known to man most discoveries and journeys of importance have been accomplished because of the ignominy that would be the result if the attempt was abandoned.

I learned that I' have to be detached if I was ever to achieve anything at all.

For men are held above their fellows by the gossamer of reputation, which is so soft and fragile a breath can blow it away.

Power without wisdom is tyranny wisdom without power is pointless.

Who you are is less important than what you seem.

For what are we but our past? If that is lost, we become nothing.