Time is the most subtle yet the most insatiable of depredators, and by appearing to take nothing is permitted to take all; nor can it be satisfied until it has stolen the world from us, and us from the world. It constantly flies, yet overcomes all things by flight; and although it is the present ally, it will be the future conqueror of death.

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.

We are sure to be losers when we quarrel with ourselves; it is civil war.

There are some who affect a want of affectation, and flatter themselves that they are above flattery; they are proud of being thought extremely humble, and would go round the world to punish those who thought them capable of revenge; they are so satisfied of the suavity of their own temper that they would quarrel with their dearest benefactor only for doubting it.

When all run by common consent into vice, none appear to do so.

Diffidence is the better part of knowledge.

Too high an appreciation of our own talents is the chief cause why experience preaches to us all in vain.