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

People are often vain of their passions, even of the worst, but envy is a passion so timid and shame-faced that no one ever dare avow her.

Pride, which inspires us with so much envy, is sometimes of use toward the moderating of it too.

People would not long remain in social life if they were not the dupes of each other.

Death, like the sun, cannot be looked at steadily.

Some disguised deceits counterfeit truth so perfectly that not to be taken in by them would be an error of judgment.

If we are incapable of finding peace in ourselves, it is pointless to search elsewhere.