We cannot think too highly of our nature, nor too humbly of ourselves.

When all moves equally (says Pascal), nothing seems to move as in a vessel under sail; and when all run by common consent into vice, none appear to do so. He that stops first, views as from a fixed point the horrible extravagance that transports the rest.

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.

Those graces which from their presumed facility encourage all to attempt an imitation of them, are usually the most inimitable.

Those who have finished by making all others think with them, have usually been those who began by daring to think with themselves.

Men are born with two eyes, but with one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they say.

God will excuse our prayers for ourselves whenever we are prevented from them by being occupied in such good works as to entitle us to the prayers of others.