Jean de La Fontaine

Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable.

Rather suffer than die is man's motto.

Better a living beggar than a buried emperor.

By nature, I am not an optimist, though I try to act as if I am.

A pessimist is a man who looks both ways when he crosses the street.

It's good to like yourself, and that only comes from hard work, from doing. But vanity is dangerous; it can trip you badly.