People are often vain of their passions, even of the worst, but envy is a passion so timid and shame-faced that no one ever dare avow her.

What is called liberality is often merely the vanity of giving.

No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong.

Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too; and till both concur, the work cannot be perfected.

Our wisdom is no less at fortune's mercy than our wealth.

We may sooner be brought to love them that hate us, than them that love us more than we would have them do.

It is not enough that we should succeed, but our friends must fail as well.