I question if Epicurus and Hume have done mankind a greater service by the looseness of their doctrines than by the purity of their lives. Of such men we may more justly exclaim, than of Caesar, "Confound their virtues, they've undone the world!

The firmest of friendships have been formed in mutual adversity, as iron is most strongly united by the fiercest flame.

He that has never known adversity is but half acquainted with others, or with himself.

Pride is less ashamed of being ignorant, than of being instructed, and she looks too high to find that, which very often lies beneath her.

When you have nothing to say, say nothing; a weak defense strengthens your opponent, and silence is less injurious than a bad reply.

Envy ought to have no place allowed it in the hearts of people; for the goods of this present world are so vile and low that they are beneath it; and those of the future world are so vast and exalted that they are above it.

Speaking generally, no man appears great to his contemporaries, for the same reason that no man is great to his servants--both know too much of him.