Nothing is more certain of destroying any good feeling that may be cherished towards us than to show distrust. To be suspected as an enemy is often enough to make a man become so; the whole matter is over, there is no farther use of guarding against it. On the contrary, confidence leads us naturally to act kindly, we are affected by the good opinion which others entertain of us, and we are not easily induced to lose it.

We like so much to hear people talk of us and of our motives, that we are charmed even when they abuse us.

I am persuaded that the greater part of our complaints arise from want of exercise.

I fear nothing so much as a man who is witty all day long.

Not to find pleasure in serious reading gives a pastel coloring to the mind.

We are so fond of hearing ourselves spoken of, that, be it good or ill, it is still pleasing.

Nothing is more certain of destroying any good feeling that may be cherished towards us than to show distrust. To be suspected as an enemy is often enough to make a man become so; the whole matter is over, there is no farther use of guarding against it. On the contrary, confidence leads us naturally to act kindly, we are affected by the good opinion which others entertain of us, and we are not easily induced to lose it.