We are very far from always knowing our own wishes.

We have not enough strength to follow all our reason.

Pride has a greater share than goodness in the reproofs we give other people for their faults; and we chide them not so much to make them mend those faults as to make them believe that we ourselves are without fault.

It is most difficult to speak when we are ashamed of being silent.

Sometimes we think we dislike flattery, but it is only the way it is done that we dislike.

In all professions each affects a look and an exterior to appear what he wishes the world to believe that he is. Thus we may say that the whole world is made up of appearances.

Treachery is more often the effect of weakness than of a formed design.