It is easier to understand mankind in general than any individual man.

Some beautiful things are more dazzling when they are still imperfect than when they have been too perfectly crafted.

Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.

There are some faults which, when well managed, make a greater figure than virtue itself.

It is easier to rule others than to keep from being ruled oneself.

There are people who in spite of their merit disgust us and others who please us in spite of their faults.

No accidents are so unlucky [bad] but that the wise may draw some advantage [good] from them.