It is easier for a man to be thought fit for an employment that he has not, than for one he stands already possessed of, and is exercising.

The sure mark of one born with noble qualities is being born without envy.

Clemency, which we make a virtue of, proceeds sometimes from vanity, sometimes from indolence, often from fear, and almost always from a mixture of all three.

What we cut off from our other faults is very often but so much added to our pride.

All women are flirts, but some are restrained by shyness, and others by sense.

Weakness is more opposed to virtue than is vice.

In love deceit almost always outstrips distrust.