The praise of the envious is far less creditable than their censure; they praise only that which they can surpass, but that which surpasses them they censure.

Shining outward qualities, although they may excite first-rate expectations, are not unusually found to be the companions of second-rate abilities.

In civil jurisprudence it too often happens that there is so much law, that there is no room for justice, and that the claimant expires of wrong in the midst of right, as mariners die of thirst in the midst of water.

The mistakes of the fool are known to the world, but not to himself. The mistakes of the wise man are known to himself, but not to the world.

Let those who would affect singularity with success first determine to be very virtuous, and they will be sure to be very singular.

Deliberate with caution, but act with decision and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.

Wealth is a relative thing since those who have little and want less are richer than those who have much but want more.