Too great refinement is false delicacy, and true delicacy is solid refinement.

We come altogether fresh and raw into the several stages of life, and often find ourselves without experience, despite our years.

He who lives without folly isn't so wise as he thinks.

It is only persons of firmness that can have real gentleness. Those who appear gentle are, in general, only a weak character, which easily changes into asperity.

Nothing should lessen our satisfaction with ourselves as much as when we notice that we disapprove of something at one time that we approve of at another time.

Many people despise wealth, but few know how to give it away.

We easily forgive our friends those faults that do no affect us ourselves.