Men and things have each their proper perspective; to judge rightly of some it is necessary to see them near, of others we can never judge rightly but at a distance.

Instead of considering that the worst way to persuade or please others is to try thus strongly to please ourselves, and that to listen well and to answer well are some of the greatest charms we can have in conversation.

Some men are so full of themselves that when they fall in love, they amuse themselves rather with their own passion than with theperson they love.

The extreme delight we experience in talking about ourselves should warn us that those who listen do not share it.

Hope is the last thing that dies in man; and though it be exceedingly deceitful, yet it is of this good use to us, that while we are traveling through life it conducts us in an easier and more pleasant way to our journey's end.

The strongest symptom of wisdom in man is his being sensible of his own follies.

Avarice is more directly opposed to thrift than generosity is.