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.

A wise man thinks it more advantageous not to join the battle than to win.

Affected simplicity is an elegant imposture.

Self-love makes our friends appear more or less deserving in proportion to the delight we take in them, and the measures by whichwe judge of their worth depend upon the manner of their conversing with us.

Everyone complains of his memory, and nobody complains of his judgment.

Great names abase, instead of elevating, those who do not know how to bear them.

One can no more look steadily at death than at the sun.