A man's wits are better employed in bearing up under the misfortunes that lie upon him at present than in foreseeing those that may come upon him hereafter.

Men's happiness and misery depends altogether as much upon their own humor as it does upon fortune.

Avarice often produces opposite results: there are an infinite number of persons who sacrifice their property to doubtful and distant expectations; others mistake great future advantages for small present interests.

Moderation is the feebleness and sloth of the soul, whereas ambition is the warmth and activity of it.

Female gossips are generally actuated by active ignorance.

One honor won is a surety for more.

Self-love increases or diminishes for us the good qualities of our friends, in proportion to the satisfaction we feel with them; and we judge of their merit by the manner in which they act towards us.