He who imitates evil always goes beyond the example that is set; he who imitates what is good always falls short.
—Francesco Guicciardini
Topics: Imitation
As it is our nature to be more moved by hope than fear, the example of one we see abundantly rewarded cheers and encourages us far more than the sight of many who have not been well treated disquiets us.
—Francesco Guicciardini
Topics: Feminism, Role models
To give vent now and then to his feelings, whether of pleasure or discontent, is a great ease to a man’s heart.
—Francesco Guicciardini
Topics: Emotions
To relinquish a present good through apprehension of a future evil is in most instances unwise … from a fear which may afterwards turn out groundless, you lost the good that lay within your grasp.
—Francesco Guicciardini
Topics: The Future, Anxiety, Fear, Tomorrow
Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.
—Francesco Guicciardini
Topics: Friendship
To rule self and subdue our passions is the more praiseworthy because so few know how to do it.
—Francesco Guicciardini
Topics: Self-Control
Affairs that depend on many rarely succeed.
—Francesco Guicciardini
Topics: Planning
The return we reap from generous actions is not always evident.
—Francesco Guicciardini
Topics: Generosity
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Dante Alighieri Italian Poet, Philosopher
Petrarch Italian Scholar
Giuseppe Mazzini Italian Revolutionary
E. V. Lucas English Author
Daniel J. Boorstin American Historian
B. H. Liddell Hart English Military Journalist, Historian
Edward Gibbon English Historian
James Truslow Adams American Historian
James Anthony Froude British Historian
Jacques Barzun French-born American Historian