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

Our virtues are often, in reality, no better than vices disguised.

The man whom no one pleases is much more unhappy than the man who pleases no one.

The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.

The extreme delight we experience in talking about ourselves should warn us that those who listen do not share it.

What is called liberality is often merely the vanity of giving.

Small minds are much distressed by little things. Great minds see them all but are not upset by them.