How can we be answerable for what we shall want in the future, since we have no clear idea of what we want now?

We often select envenomed praise which, by a reaction upon those we praise, shows faults we could not have shown by other means.

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.

Virtue would not make such advances if there were not a little vanity to keep it company.

The art of putting into play mediocre qualities often begets more reputation than is achieved by true merit.

The desire of appearing clever often prevents our becoming so.

What we cut off from our other faults is very often but so much added to our pride.