He that knows himself, knows others; and he that is ignorant of himself, could not write a very profound lecture on other men's heads.

There are two way of establishing a reputation, one to be praised by honest people and the other to be accused by rogues. It is best, however, to secure the first one, because it will always be accompanied by the latter.

No two things differ more than hurry and despatch. Hurry is the mark of a weak mind; despatch of a strong one.

There is a diabolical trio existing in the natural man, implacable, inextinguishable, co-operative and consentaneous, pride, envy, and hate; pride that makes us fancy we deserve all the goods that others possess; envy that some should be admired while we are overlooked; and hate, because all that is bestowed on others, diminishes the sum we think due to ourselves.

Life often presents us with a choice of evils, rather than of goods.

Many speak the truth when they say that they despise riches, but they mean the riches possessed by others.

Man is an embodied paradox, a bundle of contradictions.