When we live habitually with the wicked, we become necessarily either their victim or their disciple; when we associate, on the contrary, with virtuous men, we form ourselves in imitation of their virtues, or, at least, lose every day something of our faults.

The science of mathematics performs more than it promises, but the science of metaphysics promises more than it performs.

Fashions smile has given wit to dullness and grace to deformity, and has brought everything into vogue, by turns, but virtue.

Mystery magnifies danger as the fog the sun.

To know a man, observe how he wins his object, rather than how he loses it; for when we fail, our pride supports us - when we succeed, it betrays us.

The upright, if he suffer calumny to move him, fears the tongue of man more than the eye of God.

It is always safe to learn, even from our enemies; seldom safe to venture to instruct, even our friends.