Self-love is the love of a man's own self, and of everything else for his own sake. It makes people idolaters to themselves, and tyrants to all the world besides.

Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too; and till both concur, the work cannot be perfected.

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

The passions do very often give birth to others of a nature most contrary to their own. Thus avarice sometimes brings forth prodigality, and prodigality avarice; a man's resolution is very often the effect of levity, and his boldness that of cowardice and fear.

There is merit without rank, but there is no rank without some merit.

He is safe who admits no one to his confidence.

Flattery is false money, which would not be current were it not for our vanity.