There is no praise we have not lavished upon prudence; and yet she cannot assure to us the most trifling event.

The tranquility or agitation of our temper does not depend so much on the big things which happen to us in life, as on the pleasant or unpleasant arrangements of the little things which happen daily.

No accidents are so unlucky [bad] but that the wise may draw some advantage [good] from them.

Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too; and till both concur, the work cannot be perfected.

There are some persons who only disgust with their abilities, there are persons who please even with their faults.

We may seem great in an employment below our worth, but we very often look little in one that is too big for us.

The duration of our passions is no more dependent on ourselves than the duration of our lives.