Perseverance is neither praiseworthy nor blameworthy; for it seems to be only the enduring of certain inclinations and opinions which men neither give themselves nor take away from themselves.

Sometimes we think we dislike flattery, but it is only the way it is done that we dislike.

Only the great can afford to have great defects.

Some reproaches praise; some praises reproach.

The man who leaves a woman best pleased with herself is the one whom she will soonest wish to see.

There are no accidents so unlucky from which clever people are not able to reap some advantage, and none so lucky that the foolish are not able to turn them to their own disadvantage.

The surest proof of being endowed with noble qualities is to be free from envy.