Το know how to profit by good advice, requires nearly as much ability as to know how to act for one'self.

A man often thinks he rules himself, when all the while he is ruled and managed; and while his understanding directs one design, his affections imperceptibly draw him into another.

The constancy of the wise is only the art of keeping disquietude to one's self.

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.

When our vices desert us, we flatter ourselves that we are deserting our vices.

The measure of great men should always be measured by the means they have used to acquire it.

There are some people upon whom their very faults and failings sit gracefully; and there are others whose very excellencies and accomplishments do not become them.