Ideas often flash across our minds more complete than we could make them after much labor.

We do not wish ardently for what we desire only through reason.

Our actions are like the terminations of verses, which we rhyme as we please.

Small minds are much distressed by little things. Great minds see them all but are not upset by them.

We exaggerate the glory of some men in order to detract from that of others.

To establish yourself in the world a person must do all they can to appear already established.

The moderation of men in the most exalted fortunes is a desire to be thought above those things that have raised them so high.