There are a great many men valued in society who have nothing to recommend them but serviceable vices.

If we resist our passions, it is more due to their weakness than our strength.

We all have enough strength to endure the misfortunes of others.

When we disclaim praise, it is only showing our desire to be praised a second time.

We are so used to dissembling with others that in time we come to deceive and dissemble with ourselves.

However greatly we distrust the sincerity of those we converse with, yet still we think they tell more truth to us than to anyone else.

Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.

Though men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance.

It is great folly to wish to be wise all alone.

Few people have the wisdom to prefer the criticism that would do them good, to the praise that deceives them.