We make a goddess of Fortune ... and place her in the highest heaven. But it is not fortune that is exalted and powerful, but we ourselves that are abject and weak.

Villainy that is vigilant will be an overmatch for virtue, if she slumber at her post.

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

None are so seldom found alone, and are so soon tired of their own company, as those coxcombs who are on the best terms with themselves.

He that is gone so far as to cut the claws of the lion, will not feel himself quite secure, until he has also drawn his teeth.

Neutrality is no favorite with Providence, for we are so formed that it is scarcely possible for us to stand neuter in our hearts, although we may deem it prudent to appear so in our actions

Wit in women is a jewel, which, unlike all others, borrows lustre from its setting, rather than bestows it; since nothing is so easy as to fancy a very beautiful woman extremely witty.