Pride indemnifies itself and loses nothing even when it casts away vanity.

We make promises to the extent that we hope-and keep them to the extent that we fear.

Timidity is a fault for which it is dangerous to reprove persons whom we wish to correct of it.

Imagination does not enable us to invent as many different contradictions as there are by nature in every heart.

Humility is often only a feigned submissiveness by which men hope to bring other people to submit to them; it is a more calculated sort of pride.

Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves.

The vices enter into the composition of the virtues, as poisons into that of medicines. Prudence collects and arranges them, and uses them beneficially against the ills of life.