If we did not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could never harm us.

The only good copies are those which make us see the absurdity of bad originals.

The boldest stroke and best act of friendship is not to disclose our own failings to a friend, but to show him his own.

A weak mind is the only defect out of our power to mend.

The art of using moderate abilities to advantage often brings greater results than actual brilliance

We endeavor to make a virtue of the faults we are unwilling to correct.

Were we faultless, we would not derive such satisfaction from remarking the faults of others.