Though men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance.

Timidity is a fault for which it is dangerous to reprove persons whom we wish to correct of it.

Moderation is represented as a virtue in order to restrain the ambition of great men, and to console those of a meaner condition in their lesser merit and fortune.

Truth has scarce done so much good in the world as the false appearances of it have done hurt.

Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs.

Love is one and the same in the original; but there are a thousand different copies of it.

Second-rate minds usually condemn everything beyond their grasp.