When the philosophers despised riches, it was because they had a mind to vindicate their own merit, and take revenge upon the injustice of fortune by vilifying those enjoyments which she had not given them.

The greatest of all gifts is the power to estimate things at their true worth

We are never so generous as when giving advice.

If we resist our passions, it is more due to their weakness than our strength.

There is something to be said for jealousy, because it only designs the preservation of some good which we either have or think wehave a right to. But envy is a raging madness that cannot bear the wealth or fortune of others.

Ridicule dishonours more than dishonour.

We give advice, we do not inspire conduct.