What we take for high-mindedness is very often no other than ambition well disguised, that scorns means interests, only to pursuegreater.

It is praiseworthy even to attempt a great action.

The reason why so few people are agreeable in conversation is that each is thinking more about what he intends to say than others are saying.

Gallantry of mind consists in saying flattering things in an agreeable manner.

Our hopes, often though they deceive us, lead us pleasantly along the path of life.

Ideas often flash across our minds more complete than we could make them after much labor.

There are some people upon whom their very faults and failings sit gracefully; and there are others whose very excellencies and accomplishments do not become them.