In all aspects of life, we take on a part and an appearance to seem to be what we wish to be--and thus the world is merely composed of actors.

More men are guilty of treason through weakness than any studied design to betray.

If we resist our passions, it is more due to their weakness than our strength.

To praise great actions with sincerity may be said to be taking part in them.

We torment ourselves rather to make it appear that we are happy than to become so.

Humility is the sure evidence of Christian virtues. Without it, we retain all our faults still, and they are only covered over with pride, which hides them from other men's observation, and sometimes from our own too.

How can we expect another to keep our secret if we have been unable to keep it ourselves?