We label judges with having the meanest motives, and yet we desire that our reputation and fame should depend upon the judgment of men, who are all, either from their jealousy or preoccupation or want of intelligence, opposed to us - and yet despite their bias, just for the sake of making these men decide in our favor, we peril in so many ways both our peace and our life.

True eloquence consists in saying all that should be said, and that only.

How deceitful hope may be, yet she carries us on pleasantly to the end of life.

The boldest stroke and best act of friendship is not to disclose our own failings to a friend, but to show him his own.

The most effectual way to be deceived is to believe oneself more cunning than one's neighbors.

A clever man should handle his interests so that each will fall in suitable order of their value.

Affected simplicity is a subtle imposture.