One who imitates what is bad always goes beyond his model; while one who imitates what is good always comes up short of it.

Like other men, I have sought honours and preferment, and often have obtained them beyond my wishes or hopes. Yet never have I found in them that content which I had figured beforehand in my mind. A strong reason, if we well consider it, why we should disencumber ourselves of vain desires.

Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.

Francesco Guicciardini Quotes