He that would be a great man must learn to turn every accident to some advantage.

It is the prerogative of great men only to have great defects.

In friendship, as in love, we are often more happy from the things we are ignorant of than from those we are acquainted with.

Fortune turns all things to the advantage of those on whom she smiles.

We do not like to praise, and seldom praise anyone without self-interest.

It is not always from valor or from chastity that men are brave, and women chaste.

There are people who in spite of their merit disgust us and others who please us in spite of their faults.