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

If we have not peace within ourselves, it is in vain to seek it from outward sources.

Jealousy is not love, but self-love.

Penetration has an air of divination; it pleases our vanity more than any other quality of the mind.

Esteem never makes ingrates.

There may be talent without position, but there is no position without some kind of talent.

When fortune surprises us by giving us some great office without having gradually led us to expect it, or without having raised our hopes, it is well nigh impossible to occupy it well, and to appear worthy to fill it.