A man's worth has its season, like fruit.

The vices enter into the composition of the virtues, as poisons into that of medicines. Prudence collects and arranges them, and uses them beneficially against the ills of life.

One should treat one's fate as one does one's health; enjoy it when it is good, be patient with it when it is poor, and never attempt any drastic cure save as an ultimate resort.

The only thing that should astonish us is that anything can yet astonish us.

We seldom find any person of good sense, except those who share our opinions.

Our wisdom lies as much at the mercy of fortune as our possessions do.

It is easier to understand mankind in general than any individual man.