Original thoughts can be understood only in virtue of the unoriginal elements which they contain. Vittorio Alfieri More Quotes by Vittorio Alfieri More Quotes From Vittorio Alfieri A usurper always distrusts the whole world. Vittorio Alfieri usurpers trust world Sometimes blood, for the sake of sparing it, is spilled. Vittorio Alfieri sake sometimes blood The talent of making friends is not equal to the talent of doing without them. Vittorio Alfieri making-friends friends talent Alas, 'tis force alone that can compel to virtuous actions a degenerate people. Vittorio Alfieri degenerates action people For one to grasp, whatever be his object, sov'reign power ... is an act of perilous presumption. Vittorio Alfieri presumption reign kings Heaven takes care that no man secures happiness by crime. Vittorio Alfieri care men heaven