I would much rather have men ask why I have no statue than why I have one.

Men are generally more pleased with a widespread than with a great reputation.

And what will history say of me a thousand years hence?

They are trying to make me into a fixed star. I am an irregular planet.

Avoid the talk of men. For talk is mischievous, light, and easily raised, but hard to bear and difficult to be rid of. Talk never wholly dies away when many people voice her: even talk is in some ways divine.

Fame is but the empty noise of madmen.