The tranquility or agitation of our temper does not depend so much on the big things which happen to us in life, as on the pleasant or unpleasant arrangements of the little things which happen daily.

The old begin to complain of the conduct of the young when they themselves are no longer able to set a bad example.

There is an excess both in happiness and misery above our power of sensation.

The art of putting into play mediocre qualities often begets more reputation than is achieved by true merit.

A man would rather say evil of himself than say nothing.

In the misfortunes of our best friends we always find something not altogether displeasing to us.

Sometimes there are accidents in our lives the skillful extrication from which demands a little folly.