Οur own distrust somewhat justifies the deceit of others.

We acknowledge our faults in order to repair by our sincerity the damage they have done us in the eyes of others.

None deserve praise for being good who have not the spirit to be bad: goodness, for the most part, is nothing but indolence or weakness of will.

One man may be more cunning than another, but no one can be more cunning than all the world.

We do not praise others, ordinarily, but in order to be praised ourselves.

Almost everyone takes pleasure in repaying trifling obligations, very many feel gratitude for those that are moderate; but there is scarcely anyone who is not ungrateful for those that are weighty.

Fortune mends more faults in us than ever reason would be able to do.