Hope, deceiving as it is, serves at least to lead us to the end of our lives by an agreeable route.

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

When fortune surprises us by giving us some great office without having gradually led us to expect it, or without having raised our hopes, it is well nigh impossible to occupy it well, and to appear worthy to fill it.

Great and glorious events which dazzle the beholder are represented by politicians as the outcome of grand designs whereas they are usually products of temperaments and passions.

Our aversion to lying is commonly a secret ambition to make what we say considerable, and have every word received with a religious respect.

Moderation is a fear of falling into that envy and contempt which those who grow giddy with their good fortune quite justly draw upon themselves. It is a vain boasting of the greatness of our mind.

One kind of flirtation is to boast we never flirt.