The great corrupter of public man is the ego. Looking at the mirror distracts one's attention from the problem.
There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.
We don't always have an accurate view of our own potential. I think most people who are frightened of public speaking and can't imagine they might feel different as a result of training. Don't assume you know how much potential you have. Sometimes the only way to know what you can do is to test yourself.
You can never underestimate the stupidity of the general public.
(In politics) you need both a public and a private position.