There is a form of eminence which does not depend on fate; it is an air which sets us apart and seems to prtend great things; it is the value which we unconsciously attach to ourselves; it is the quality which wins us deference of others; more than birth, position, or ability, it gives us ascendance.

We have more ability than will power, and it is often an excuse to ourselves that we imagine that things are impossible.

Our minds are lazier than our bodies.

We often in our misfortunes take that for constancy and patience which is only dejection of mind; we suffer without daring to holdup our heads, just as cowards let themselves be knocked on the head because they have not courage to strike back.

How can we expect another to keep our secret if we have been unable to keep it ourselves?

There are few occasions when we should make a bad bargain by giving up the good on condition that no ill was said of us.

For the credit of virtue we must admit that the greatest misfortunes of men are those into which they fall through their crimes.