It is easier to be wise for others than for ourselves.

We are much mistaken if we think that men are always brave from a principle of valor, or women chaste from a principle of modesty.

The courage of a great many men, and the virtue of a great many women, are the effect of vanity, shame, and especially a suitabletemperament.

Those who most obstinately oppose the most widely-held opinions more often do so because of pride than lack of intelligence. They find the best places in the right set already taken, and they do not want back seats.

Happiness is in the taste, and not in the things.

We should gain more by letting the world see what we are than by trying to seem what we are not.

The passions do very often give birth to others of a nature most contrary to their own. Thus avarice sometimes brings forth prodigality, and prodigality avarice; a man's resolution is very often the effect of levity, and his boldness that of cowardice and fear.