We may seem great in an employment below our worth, but we very often look little in one that is too big for us.

One can no more look steadily at death than at the sun.

It appears that nature has hid at the bottom of our hearts talents and abilities unknown to us. It is only the passions that have the power of bringing them to light, and sometimes give us views more true and more perfect than art could possibly do.

One forgives to the degree that one loves.

There is scarcely any man sufficiently clever to appreciate all the evil he does.

Were we perfectly acquainted with the object, we should never passionately desire it.

Before we set our hearts too much upon anything, let us examine how happy they are, who already possess it.