It is easier to deceive yourself, and to do so unperceived, than to deceive another.

We are sometimes as different from ourselves as we are from others.

It is only persons of firmness that can have real gentleness. Those who appear gentle are, in general, only a weak character, which easily changes into asperity.

Opportunity makes us known to others, but more to ourselves.

The aversion to lying is often a hidden ambition to render our words credible and weighty, and to attach a religious aspect to our conversation.

We do not lack strength so much as the will to use it; and very often our imagining that things are impossible is nothing but an excuse of our own contriving, to reconcile ourselves to our own idleness.

Whatever ignominy or disgrace we have incurred, it is almost always in our power to reestablish our reputation.