But experience has shown that to be true which Appius says in his verses, that every man is the architect of his own fortune. - Sallust

At nos non imperium neque divitias petimus, quarum rerum causa bella atque certamina omnia inter mortales sunt, sed libertatem, quam nemo bonus nisi cum anima simul amittit.

Ambition prompted many to become deceitful; to keep one thing concealed in the breast, and another ready on the tongue; to estimate friendships and enmities, not by their worth, but according to interest; and to carry rather a specious countenance than an honest heart.

Nam divitiarum et formae gloria fluxa atque fragilis est, virtus clara aeternaque habetur.