The exceeding delight we take in talking about ourselves should give us cause to fear that we are giving but very little pleasureto our listeners.

Love of fame, fear of disgrace, schemes for advancement, desire to make life comfortable and pleasant, and the urge to humiliate others are often at the root of the valour men hold in such high esteem.

There are few people who are more often in the wrong than those who cannot endure to be so.

We have no patience with other people's vanity because it is offensive to our own.

Moderation is like sobriety: you would like to have some more, but are afraid of making yourself ill.

Bodily labor alleviates the pains of the mind and from this arises the happiness of the poor

Gratitude, in most men, is only a strong and secret hope of greater favors.