There are few people more convinced of their own genius than those who complain of how stupid they are.

Jealousy is in some measure just and reasonable, since it merely aims at keeping something that belongs to us or we think belongsto us, whereas envy is a frenzy that cannot bear anything that belongs to others.

Nothing is so contagious as example.

The defects of the mind, like those of the face, grow worse with age.

Perseverance is neither praiseworthy nor blameworthy; for it seems to be only the enduring of certain inclinations and opinions which men neither give themselves nor take away from themselves.

As we grow older, we increase in folly--and in wisdom.

We often shed tears that deceive ourselves after deceiving others.