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

History never embraces more than a small part of reality

Reconciliation with our enemies is simply a desire to better our condition, a weariness of war, or the fear of some unlucky thing from occurring.

Imagination does not enable us to invent as many different contradictions as there are by nature in every heart.

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.

Men are inconsolable concerning the treachery of their friends or the deceptions of their enemies; and yet they are often very highly satisfied to be both deceived and betrayed by their own selves.

Commonplace minds usually condemn what is beyond the reach of their understanding.