Pity a thing often avowed, seldom felt; hatred is a thing often felt, seldom avowed.

Philosophy is a goddess, whose head indeed is in heaven, but whose feet are upon earth; she attempts more than she accomplishes, and promises more than she performs.

Secrecy is the soul of all great designs. Perhaps more has been effected by concealing our own intentions than by discovering those of our enemy.

It is a mistake, that a lust for power is the mark of a great mind; for even the weakest have been captivated by it; and for minds of the highest order, it has no charms.

Flattery is often a traffic of mutual meanness, where although both parties intend deception, neither are deceived.

Suicide sometimes proceeds from cowardice, but not always; for cowardice sometimes prevents it; since as many live because they are afraid to die, as die because they are afraid to live.

Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of time which every day produces, and which most men throw away.