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.

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

Men would not live in society long if they were not each others dupes.

Neither love nor fire can subsist without perpetual motion; both cease to live so soon as they cease to hope, or to fear.

We are deceived if we think that mind and judgment are two different matters: judgment is but the extent of the light of the mind. This light penetrates to the bottom of matters; it remarks all that can be remarked, and perceives what appears imperceptible. Therefore we must agree that it is the extent of the light in the mind that produces all the effects which we attribute to judgment.

The most sure method of subjecting yourself to be deceived is to consider yourself more cunning than others.

Things often offer themselves to our mind in a more finished form in the very first thought, than we might have made them by muchart and study.