Our wisdom lies as much at the mercy of fortune as our possessions do.

There are heroes of wickedness, as there are of goodness.

The happiness and misery of men depend no less on temper than fortune.

The courage of a great many men, and the virtue of a great many women, are the effect of vanity, shame, and especially a suitabletemperament.

We have more ability than will power, and it is often an excuse to ourselves that we imagine that things are impossible.

It is not expedient or wise to examine our friends too closely; few persons are raised in our esteem by a close examination.

The contempt of riches in the philosophers was a concealed desire of revenging on fortune the injustice done to their merit, by despising the good she denied them.