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.

Fortune makes our virtues and vices visible, just as light does the objects of sight.

The vivacity that augments with years is not far from folly.

A small degree of wit, accompanied by good sense, is less tiresome in the long run than a great amount of wit without it.

In growing old, we become more foolish - and more wise.

A clever man should handle his interests so that each will fall in suitable order of their value.

There are but very few men clever enough to know all the mischief they do.