Sometimes we think we dislike flattery, but it is only the way it is done that we dislike.

We often persuade ourselves to love people who are more powerful than we are, yet interest alone produces our friendship; we do not give our hearts away for the good we wish to do, but for that we expect to receive.

The sure way to be cheated is to think one's self more cunning than others.

We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones.

Generally speaking, we would make a good bargain by renouncing all the good that people say of us, upon condition they would say no ill.

The blindness of men is the most dangerous effect of their pride; it seems to nourish and augment it; it deprives them of knowledge of remedies which can solace their miseries and can cure their faults.

Plenty of people want to be pious, but no one yearns to be humble.