Narrowness of mind is often the cause of obstinacy; we do not easily believe beyond what we see.

The greatest of all gifts is the power to estimate things at their true worth

Sometimes accidents happen in life from which we have need of a little madness to extricate ourselves successfully

We often see malefactors, when they are led to execution, put on resolution and a contempt of death which, in truth, is nothing else but fearing to look it in the face--so that this pretended bravery may very truly be said to do the same good office to their mind that the blindfold does to their eyes.

The intellect of the generality of women serves more to fortify their folly than their reason.

The vices enter into the composition of the virtues, as poisons into that of medicines. Prudence collects and arranges them, and uses them beneficially against the ills of life.

Silence is the best tactic for he who distrusts himself.