There are many that despise half the world; but if there be any that despise the whole of it, it is because the other half despises them.

Very great personages are not likely to form very just estimates either of others or of themselves; their knowledge of themselves is obscured by the flattery of others; their knowledge of others is equally clouded by circumstances peculiar to themselves. For in the presence of the great, the modest are sure to suffer from too much diffidence, and the confident from too much display.

Death is like thunder in two particulars; we are alarmed, at the sound of it; and it is formidable only from that which preceded it.

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.

Corruption is like a ball of snow, once it's set a rolling it must increase.

There is this paradox in pride - it makes some men ridiculous, but prevents others from becoming so.

He who knows himself knows others.