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

Shining outward qualities, although they may excite first-rate expectations, are not unusually found to be the companions of second-rate abilities.

What would you do if you knew for sure that no one would ever find out?

As there are none so weak that we may venture to injure them with impunity, so there are none so low that they may not at some time be able to repay an obligation. Therefore, what benevolence would dictate, prudence would confirm.

Unlike the sun, intellectual luminaries shine brightest after they set.

It is more easy to forgive the weak who have injured us than the powerful whom we have injured.

The more gross the fraud the more glibly will it go down, and the more greedily be swallowed, since folly will always find faith where impostors will find imprudence.