They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.

One should treat one's fate as one does one's health; enjoy it when it is good, be patient with it when it is poor, and never attempt any drastic cure save as an ultimate resort.

There is no accident so unfortunate but wise men will make some advantage of it, nor any so entirely fortunate but fools may turn it to their own prejudice.

Even the most disinterested love is, after all, but a kind of bargain, in which self-love always proposes to be the gainer one wayor another.

The sure way to be cheated is to think one's self more cunning than others.

Before strongly desiring anything, we should look carefully into the happiness of its present owner.

The only good imitations are those that poke fun at bad originals.