One is never fortunate or as unfortunate as one imagines.

The exceeding delight we take in talking about ourselves should give us cause to fear that we are giving but very little pleasureto our listeners.

In all aspects of life, we take on a part and an appearance to seem to be what we wish to be--and thus the world is merely composed of actors.

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.

Our actions are like the terminations of verses, which we rhyme as we please.

Innocence does not find near so much protection as guilt.

The greatest part of intimate confidences proceed from a desire either to be pitied or admired.