There are people who in spite of their merit disgust us and others who please us in spite of their faults.

However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.

There are no accidents so unlucky from which clever people are not able to reap some advantage, and none so lucky that the foolish are not able to turn them to their own disadvantage.

Those great and glorious actions that dazzle our eyes with their luster are represented by statesmen as the result of great wisdomand excellent design; whereas, in truth, they are commonly the effects of the humors and passions.

We speak little if not egged on by vanity.

The prospect of being pleased tomorrow will never console me for the boredom of today.

There are bad people who would be less dangerous if they were quite devoid of goodness.