In misfortune we often mistake dejection for constancy; we bear it without daring to look on it; like cowards, who suffer themselves to be murdered without resistance.

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

Quarrels would not last long if the fault was only on one side.

Being a blockhead is sometimes the best security against being cheated by a man of wit.

Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves.

The largest ambition has the least appearance of ambition when it meets with an absolute impossibility in compassing its object.

Philosophy easily triumphs over past and future ills; but present ills triumph over philosophy.