Great and glorious events which dazzle the beholder are represented by politicians as the outcome of grand designs whereas they are usually products of temperaments and passions.

We have more ability than will power, and it is often an excuse to ourselves that we imagine that things are impossible.

Whilst weakness and timidity keep us to our duty, virtue has often all the honor.

The secret of pleasing in conversation is not to explain too much everything; to say them half and leave a little for divination is a mark of the good opinion we have of others, and nothing flatters their self-love more.

The constancy of the wise is only the talent of concealing the agitation of their hearts.

We give advice, but we cannot give the wisdom to profit by it.

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