Vices are ingredients of virtues just as poisons are ingredients of remedies. Prudence mixes and tempers them and uses them effectively against life's ills.

It is far better to be deceived than undeceived by those whom we tenderly love.

Some weak people are so sensible of their weakness as to be able to make a good use of it.

Numberless arts appear foolish whose secret motives are most wise and weighty.

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

A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.

Consolation for unhappiness can often be found in a certain satisfaction we get from looking unhappy.