It is good to act as if. It is even better to grow to the point where it is no longer an act.

If Satan ever laughs, it must be at hypocrites; they are the greatest dupes he has.

In great cities men are more callous both to the happiness and the misery of others, than in the country; for they are constantly in the habit of seeing both extremes.

Heroism, self-denial, and magnanimity, in all instances where they do not spring from a principle of religion, are but splendid altars on which we sacrifice one kind of self-love to another.

A coxcomb begins by determining that his own profession is the first; and he finishes by deciding that he is the first of profession.

God is as great in minuteness as He is in magnitude.

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.