True bravery means doing alone that which one could do if all the world were by.

It is praiseworthy even to attempt a great action.

The generality of friends puts us out of conceit with friendship; just as the generality of religious people puts us out of conceit with religion.

Fortune turns all things to the advantage of those on whom she smiles.

Nothing is rarer than true good nature; they who are reputed to have it are generally only pliant or weak.

It is as commendable to think well of oneself when alone, as it is ridiculous to speak well of oneself among others.

A small degree of wit, accompanied by good sense, is less tiresome in the long run than a great amount of wit without it.