You ask me if I keep a notebook to record my great ideas. I've only ever had one.

If at first the idea is absurd, then there is no hope for it.

It is not once nor twice but times without number that the same ideas make their appearance in the world.

It is not once nor twice but times without number that the same ideas make their appearance in the world.

They [Young People] have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations; moreover, their hopeful disposition makes them think themselves equal to great things / and that means having exalted notions. They would always rather do noble deeds than useful ones: Their lives are regulated more by moral feeling than by reasoning / all their mistakes are in the direction of doing things excessively and vehemently. They overdo everything / they love too much, hate too much, and the same with everything else.

A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.