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

The desire which urges us to deserve praise strengthens our good qualities, and praise given to wit, valour, and beauty, tends to increase them.

A man often thinks he rules himself, when all the while he is ruled and managed; and while his understanding directs one design, his affections imperceptibly draw him into another.

A small degree of wit, accompanied by good sense, is less tiresome in the long run than a great amount of wit without it.

We sometimes differ more widely from ourselves than we do from others.

Listening well and answering well is one of the greatest perfections that can be obtained in conversation.

We have more indolence in the mind than in the body.