We torment ourselves rather to make it appear that we are happy than to become so.

Those who occupy their minds with small matters, generally become incapable of greatness.

Those whom the world has delighted to honor have oftener been influenced in their doings by ambition and vanity than by patriotism.

It is oftener by the estimation of our own feelings that we exaggerate the good qualities of others than by their merit, and when we praise them we wish to attract their praise.

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

No matter how brilliant an action, it should not be considered great unless it was the result of a great motive.

We have more indolence in the mind than in the body.