Pity is a sense of our own misfortunes in those of another man; it is a sort of foresight of the disasters which may befall ourselves. We assist others,, in order that they may assist us on like occasions; so that the services we offer to the unfortunate are in reality so many anticipated kindnesses to ourselves.

There are bad people who would be less dangerous if they were quite devoid of goodness.

Jealousy is nothing more than a fear of abandonment

We have more indolence in the mind than in the body.

A wise man should order his interests, and set them all in their proper places. This order is often troubled by greed, which putsus upon pursuing so many things at once that, in eagerness for matters of less consideration, we grasp at trifles, and let go things of greater value.

Boredom ... causes us to neglect more duties than does interest.

There is no better proof of a man's being truly good than his desiring to be constantly under the observation of good men.