The sure way to be cheated is to think one's self more cunning than others.

If we did not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could never harm us.

Our desires always disappoint us; for though we meet with something that gives us satisfaction, yet it never thoroughly answers our expectation. [However disappointment can always be removed if we remember it could have turned out worse.]

We think very few people sensible, except those who are of our opinion.

We never desire strongly, what we desire rationally.

Nothing is more contagious than example, and no man does any exceeding good or exceeding ill but it spawns new deeds of the same kind. The good we imitate through emulation, the ill through the malignity of our nature, which shame keeps locked up, but example sets free.

There are very few things impossible in themselves; and we do not want means to conquer difficulties so much as application and resolution in the use of means.