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

We often see malefactors, when they are led to execution, put on resolution and a contempt of death which, in truth, is nothing else but fearing to look it in the face--so that this pretended bravery may very truly be said to do the same good office to their mind that the blindfold does to their eyes.

The whimsicalness of our own humor is a thousand times more fickle and unaccountable than what we blame so much in fortune.

That good disposition which boasts of being most tender is often stifled by the least urging of self-interest.

Raillery is more insupportable than wrong; because we have a right to resent injuries, but are ridiculous in being angry at a jest.

To achieve greatness one should live as if they will never die.

Jealousy is always born with love, but does not die with it. In jealousy there is more of self-love than of love to another.