Politeness is a desire to be treated politely, and to be esteemed polite oneself.

Virtues lose themselves in self-interest, as rivers in the sea.

A refusal of praise is a desire to be praised twice.

The person giving the advice returns the confidence placed in him with a disinterested eagerness... and he is usually guided only by his own interest or reputation.

People's personalities, like buildings, have various facades, some pleasant to view, some not.

If we had no faults, we would not derive so much pleasure from noting those of other people.

Some crimes get honor and renown by being committed with more pomp, by a greater number, and in a higher degree of wickedness thanothers. Hence it is that public robberies, plunderings, and sackings have been looked upon as excellencies and noble achievements, and the seizing of whole countries, however unjustly and barbarously, is dignified with the glorious name of gaining conquests.