We should wish for few things with eagerness, if we perfectly knew the nature of that which was the object of our desire.

Whatever distrust we may have of the sincerity of those who converse with us, we always believe they will tell us more truth than they do to others.

Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.

We often see malefactors, when they are led to execution, put on resolution and a contempt of death which, in truth, is nothing else but fearing to look it in the face--so that this pretended bravery may very truly be said to do the same good office to their mind that the blindfold does to their eyes.

Opportunity makes us known to others, but more to ourselves.

Whatever ignominy or disgrace we have incurred, it is almost always in our power to reestablish our reputation.

If vanity does not entirely overthrow the virtues, at least it makes them all totter.