We forget our faults easily when they are known to ourselves alone.

A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.

The same strength of character which helps a man resist love, helps to make it more violent and lasting too. People of unsettled minds are always driven about with passions, but never absolutely filled with any.

There is merit without rank, but there is no rank without some merit.

It is only persons of firmness that can have real gentleness. Those who appear gentle are, in general, only a weak character, which easily changes into asperity.

It is easier to appear worthy of a position one does not hold, than of the office which one fills.

It is as easy to unknowingly deceive yourself as it is to deceive others.