It is oftener by the estimation of our own feelings that we exaggerate the good qualities of others than by their merit, and when we praise them we wish to attract their praise.

Sometimes there are accidents in our lives the skillful extrication from which demands a little folly.

When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.

It is a mistake to imagine, that the violent passions only, such as ambition and love, can triumph over the rest. Idleness, languid as it is, often masters them all; she influences all our designs and actions, and insensibly consumes and destroys both passions and virtues.

The less you trust others, the less you will be deceived.

We are never so ridiculous through what we are as through what we pretend to be.

The principal point of cleverness is to know how to value things just as they deserve.