True bravery is shown by performing without witness what one might be capable of doing before all the world.

Truth does less good in the world than its appearances do harm.

It is oftener by the estimation of our own feelings that we exaggerate the good qualities of others than by their merit, and when we praise them we wish to attract their praise.

Customary use of artifice is the sign of a small mind, and it almost always happens that he who uses it to cover one spot uncovers himself in another.

It is with true love as it is with ghosts; everyone talks about it, but few have seen it.

That man, we may be sure, is a person of true worth, whom those who envy him most are yet forced to praise.

As it is the characteristic of great wits to say much in few words, so small wits seem to have the gift of speaking much and saying nothing.